Clark Shakes Off Ankle Scare, Ties Record as Fever Douse Dream’s Playoff Hopes

In a high-stakes showdown between two surging Eastern Conference teams, the Indiana Fever demonstrated grit and resilience as they defeated the Atlanta Dream 84-79 at State Farm Arena on Monday night. Despite a tense moment when rookie sensation Caitlin Clark rolled her ankle in the first quarter, the Fever rallied behind Kelsey Mitchell’s season-high 29 points to secure their 14th victory of the season — the most for Indiana since 2016.

The night could have taken a sharp turn early on when Clark hit the floor after rolling her ankle while fighting through a screen. As the team’s medical staff rushed to her aid, fans held their breath, unsure if Clark would return. Yet, true to her reputation, the star guard shrugged off the pain. “I saw the replay and I look really soft,” Clark joked postgame. “It wasn’t that bad of a turn, but it hurt. You’re not a real basketball player if you haven’t sprained your ankles a bunch. That’s when you know.”

Clark’s toughness paid off in a big way. She returned in the second quarter, showing no signs of hesitation as she dropped 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out seven assists, and notched two steals. Clark also made history, tying Rhyne Howard’s record for most three-pointers by a rookie with her 85th trey of the season. The record-tying shot came off a cold-blooded step-back three, no less, with Howard herself guarding her.

But this game was more than just another highlight for Clark. The Fever’s success hinged on a complete team effort, led by Mitchell’s hot hand. “Kelsey was absolutely locked in,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said. “We needed every bit of her performance tonight, and she showed why she’s one of the most lethal scorers in this league.”

Aliyah Boston, who has been a cornerstone of Indiana’s resurgence this season, added another double-double to her resume with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Her presence in the paint was critical, especially late in the game when the Dream made a furious comeback attempt. “Aliyah’s consistency gives us so much confidence,” Sides noted. “She battles every possession and makes the big plays when it counts.”

The atmosphere inside State Farm Arena was electric, with a sold-out crowd of 17,608 — the largest in Dream history — largely drawn by Clark’s presence. It was clear from tip-off that Atlanta had targeted this matchup as a statement game. Tina Charles, speaking before the game, acknowledged Clark’s impact, saying, “Obviously we know who Caitlin Clark is and her impact in this league, and especially this year.”

In the end, the Fever held on, closing out the game with poise and proving they can thrive under pressure. With the playoffs fast approaching, Indiana is peaking at the right time, riding the momentum of their core trio in Mitchell, Clark, and Boston.

Next up for the Fever is a pivotal game as they continue their playoff push, and with Clark leading the charge, it’s safe to say no one will be underestimating Indiana anytime soon.