The 2025 matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever was full of excitement both in the regular season and especially in the playoffs. In this article, we break down the key games, show standout player stats, and highlight what made the matchups so interesting. Whether you’re a new fan or following the WNBA for years, this is an easy-to-read recap of those Dream vs Fever battles.
Overview of the Matchup
The Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever met several times in 2025, including in the playoffs. These games were important because:
- Atlanta finished the regular season strong at 30-14, securing the 3rd seed.
- Indiana finished at 24-20 and earned the 6th seed.
- Their playoff series showcased how both teams matched up, their strengths, weaknesses, and key players making a difference.
This article focuses on key games between them, looking at who stood out and what the stats tell us.
Key Games & Player Highlights
Game 1 (Playoffs) – September 14, 2025
The Dream hosted the Fever. Final score: Atlanta 80, Indiana 68.
Standout stats:
- For Atlanta:
- Allisha Gray scored 20 points.
- Rhyne Howard also scored 20 points.
- Naz Hillmon added 16 points.
- For Indiana:
- Kelsey Mitchell led with 27 points.
- Only one other Fever player scored in double figures (Odyssey Sims with 10).
What it tells us: Atlanta’s offense was balanced and their defense held Indiana under 70 points. Indiana had talent but lacked offensive depth in this game.
Game 2 (Playoffs) – September 16, 2025
Indiana hosted and turned the tables. Final result: Indiana 77, Atlanta 60.
Standout stats:
- Indiana:
- Kelsey Mitchell scored 19 points and had 4 three-pointers.
- Aliyah Boston added 15 points.
- Atlanta:
- There were fewer standout numbers; the team struggled to match Indiana’s intensity.
What it tells us: Indiana came back strong at home, tightened their defense and improved their offensive flow.
Game 3 (Playoffs) – September 18, 2025
Decider game: Indiana edged out Atlanta 87-85 to win the series 2-1.
Standout stats:
- Indiana:
- Aliyah Boston grabbed a double-double (14 pts, 12 reb) and made the go-ahead basket with 7.4 seconds left.
- Kelsey Mitchell scored 24 points.
- Atlanta:
- Allisha Gray scored 19 points.
- Rhyne Howard had 16 points; Jordin Canada added 18.
What it tells us: The series finale was very close. Indiana pulled through in the clutch, showing better composure and execution at the end.
Season Context and Player Profiles
Atlanta Dream
- Finished regular season: 30-14.
- Key players:
- Allisha Gray: Reliable scorer and leader.
- Rhyne Howard: Emerging star guard.
- Naz Hillmon: Came off bench strong and provided scoring and rebounding.
- In the Game 1 highlight, Gray and Howard both had 20 points, a strong two-pronged attack.
- Their playoff loss shows the Dream had high regular season success but the series exposed some gaps.
Indiana Fever
- Regular season: 24-20.
- Key players:
- Kelsey Mitchell: Top scorer and big game performer.
- Aliyah Boston: Strong inside presence; rebounds, defense and crucial plays.
- Natasha Howard, Odyssey Sims: Veteran presence and support.
- Indiana improved in the series after Game 1, showing resilience and stepping up in key moments.
Matchup Insights: What Made These Games Interesting
Here are a few things that stand out:
- Balanced scoring vs star-heavy lineups
- Atlanta in Game 1 spread the scoring (Gray, Howard, Hillmon) and kept Indiana’s top scorer in check (Mitchell).
- Indiana in later games leaned more on Mitchell and Boston but also got key contributions from others.
- Defense matters
- In Game 1, Atlanta held Indiana to 68 points. Strong defensive performance.
- Indiana’s bounce-back in Game 2 and Game 3 came with better defense, especially closing out the final minutes.
- Clutch moments and experience
- Game 3 ended tightly. Boston’s go-ahead basket and Indiana’s composure sealed it.
- Atlanta’s regular season success didn’t carry fully into closing out the series.
- Home court and momentum
- Indiana’s Game 2 win at home gave them momentum going into the decider.
- The series showed the impact of shifting venues and crowd energy.
- Role players stepping up
- Atlanta’s Hillmon stepping up off the bench.
- Indiana’s support players helping Mitchell and Boston create space.
Why This Series Is Worth Noting
- It reaffirmed Atlanta as a top team in the East through the regular season but also showed that a focused Indiana could push them.
- It showed the emergence of young stars like Rhyne Howard and the value of experienced players like Mitchell and Boston.
- For fans: it had everything, rivalry feel, swing games, close finish.
- For analysts: it highlights that regular season record isn’t everything, playoff execution and depth matter.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 matchups between Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever offered a lot of learning for both teams and excitement for fans. Atlanta showed why it’s a top seed with a strong regular season, balanced scoring, and high-caliber players. Indiana showed grit, clutch performance, and the ability to bounce back when it mattered most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who won the 2025 playoff series between Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever?
Indiana Fever won the series 2-1.
2. What were the scores of the three playoff games?
- Game 1: Atlanta 80-68 Indiana.
- Game 2: Indiana 77-60 Atlanta.
- Game 3: Indiana 87-85 Atlanta.
3. Who were the top scorers in Game 1?
For Atlanta: Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard each scored 20 points.
For Indiana: Kelsey Mitchell scored 27 points.
4. Which player had a double-double in Game 3?
Aliyah Boston of Indiana had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
5. How did home court affect the series?
Indiana used their home game in Game 2 to pivot the series, then closed it out with a road win in Game 3.
6. Who were the key role players in these games?
For Atlanta: Naz Hillmon, Jordin Canada. For Indiana: Natasha Howard, Odyssey Sims, Lexie Hull.
7. Did Atlanta dominate the regular season against Indiana?
They split their meetings and both teams were strong, so no clear dominance based on the regular season.
8. What was the turning point in Game 3?
Boston’s go-ahead basket with 7.4 seconds left helped Indiana clinch the series.
9. What was the difference between Game 1 and Game 2?
In Game 1, Atlanta executed well on both ends. In Game 2, Indiana improved their defense and offense and forced errors from Atlanta.
10. What can we expect from future matchups between these teams?
Given how close this series was, future matchups will likely be tight. A team that closes stronger in the final quarter and has bench depth will likely win.
Relatable topic: Cleveland Browns vs Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders vs New York Jets, Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns
