The Indiana Fever showcased both resilience and depth on Friday night, holding off a fierce second-half surge by the Dallas Wings to capture a 94-86 victory at the American Airlines Center. With rookie sensation Caitlin Clark sidelined for the second consecutive game, the spotlight shifted to the team’s other core stars — and they delivered in impressive fashion.
Kelsey Mitchell led the way with a dominant performance, dropping 32 points and dishing out seven assists. Her offensive prowess was instrumental in keeping the Fever afloat, especially as the Wings mounted a late-game comeback. Alongside her, All-Star forward Aliyah Boston added a critical 21 points and served as a defensive anchor in the paint, helping the Fever even their record to 8-8 on the season.
The win was especially crucial given the context. Just a day prior, Indiana suffered a frustrating loss at home to the Los Angeles Sparks, a game in which they faltered down the stretch. Facing a tough one-night turnaround on the road, many expected the Fever to show fatigue or struggle without their star rookie. Instead, they delivered a composed and gritty performance that underscored the growth and maturity of this young roster.
Here are three key takeaways from Indiana’s hard-fought win:
1. Kelsey Mitchell Steps Up as the Go-To Scorer
With Clark unavailable, all eyes were on who would take command of the offense. Kelsey Mitchell answered that call with poise and precision. The veteran guard’s 32-point outburst came on a mix of deep threes, sharp mid-range jumpers, and fearless drives to the rim. Her ability to create her own shot and keep the pressure on Dallas’s defense throughout all four quarters was critical. She also showed strong court vision, racking up seven assists, proving she’s not only a scorer but a playmaker when the moment calls for it.
2. Aliyah Boston Continues Her All-Star-Level Production
Aliyah Boston, who is increasingly becoming the anchor of Indiana’s frontcourt, contributed 21 points in an efficient and composed manner. Her presence in the paint forced Dallas to alter their shots and fight for rebounds. What stood out most about Boston’s performance wasn’t just her scoring but the leadership she exhibited, helping to stabilize the team during critical stretches. She’s quickly becoming one of the most consistent post players in the league.
3. Natasha Howard Delivers in Crunch Time
Veteran forward Natasha Howard had arguably the most underrated performance of the night. Though her stat line — 15 points and 13 rebounds — may not be as flashy, it was her clutch plays in the final minutes that made the difference. After Dallas took its first lead with under 5:30 remaining, Howard answered with several key baskets and timely rebounds to swing the momentum back in Indiana’s favor. Her experience and composure under pressure were invaluable in closing out the win.
This win speaks volumes about the Fever’s evolving identity. While Caitlin Clark’s absence is notable, it also gives the rest of the roster a chance to shine — and they’re embracing that opportunity. Mitchell, Boston, and Howard demonstrated that Indiana is not a one-player show, but rather a team capable of adapting, growing, and grinding out wins when it matters most.
With this victory, Indiana moves back to .500 and gains momentum as they head into the heart of the WNBA season. The future looks increasingly bright — and balanced — for the Fever.