The night before the game, Sophie Cunningham didn’t rush her words. She was “pissed off,” and said the team felt the same. After shooting just 30% in her previous outing, Sophie promised a different kind of effort. “You can’t control your shot always going in, but what you can control is your effort on defense, your communication, outplaying the other team,” she said.
It turns out she meant every word.
Coming off the bench, Cunningham scored 16 points, grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds, and went 4-of-5 from deep in just 30 minutes. His performance was the epitome of “backing it up.” Gritty defense, efficient shooting, and a firepower that clearly lit up the rest of the roster.
But Sophie wasn’t alone.
Kelsey Mitchell exploded for 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding three assists, two blocks, and a steal. Her leadership and poise were critical, especially in the third and fourth quarters when the rush took over completely.
Aaliyah Boston, always a reliable force, contributed 19 points and eight rebounds before messing up what many fans called a questionable call. Still, her presence was felt in every corner of the court, going perfect 8 for 8 from the free throw line and even stepping out to hit a three.
And then there was Caitlin Clark.
Still recovering from pain and on a limited-minute restriction, Clark showed why he’s much more than a long-range shooter. While he only scored 12 points, his nine assists, four rebounds, and only two turnovers highlighted how impactful his overall game can be. More than that, he attacked the rim with a toughness that showed he’s evolving—no longer just the logo phenomenon, but a fearless driver who can absorb contact and make plays.
The Fever’s third-quarter surge, encompassing the 29-20 dream, was a turning point. That momentum carried through to a dominant 30-point fourth quarter—its best game—while holding Atlanta to just 17. It was the kind of finishing performance fans have craved all season: tough, smart, and relentless.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Jordan Canada nearly single-handedly derailed Indiana’s night, dropping 26 points in the first half alone and finishing the game with 30. Much of that damage came from the center, hitting six threes after making six all season before this game. The Fever defense was slow to adjust, allowing Canada too much space in transition and failing to recognize its hot hand early.
But what changed in the second half was revealing. The fever was there. They made better reads, brought more energy, and closed the sleep rhythm when it mattered most.
There were still frustrations, particularly with the officiating. Caitlin Clark took a beating with little response from the referees, and Boston’s disqualification drew strong reactions from fans and commentators alike. However, despite the adversity, Indiana didn’t collapse. They rose.
This win returns the Fever to .500 and marks a critical step for a team that has had to navigate roster changes, tough losses, and rising expectations. With players like Cunningham taking a step forward, Mitchell finding his rhythm, and Clark continuing to develop into a complete player, the Fever is showing signs of something much bigger than just a win.
They’re starting to look like a team with real heart, and real fight.
With Atlanta’s dream now behind them and a matchup with the Dallas Wings next on the schedule, the Fever has momentum and something even more powerful: belief.
Sophie said it best before the game, it’s about controlling what you can control.
Indiana Fever controlled the court. The scoreboard reflected it. And now, the rest of the league should be paying attention.
