For the first time since August of 2023, the Atlanta Dream defeated the Indiana Fever by a score of 91-90. Caitlin Clark had never lost to Atlanta but was unable to complete a rally for the Fever at home in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Atlanta led throughout most of the game before Indiana took a one-point lead with under a minute to go on an Aliyah Boston free throw. Dream All-Star Rhyne Howard drew a foul driving to the basket with nine seconds remaining and made both of her free throws to take the lead for the Dream. Indiana was unable to convert their final two shooting attempts.
Atlanta's key signings lead the Dream to victory
Atlanta benefited from the play of their two frontcourt free-agent additions in Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. The dynamic duo combined for 40 points, shooting 56% from the field. Although neither made a three-point attempt, their 12-16 shooting from the free throw line helped Atlanta reach its 25-32 free throw tally, outpacing Indiana’s 16-26 from the charity stripe.
Perhaps the most significant impact of Griner and Jones was their ability to shut down veteran DeWanna Bonner for the Indiana Fever. Bonner signed with the Fever in the offseason in a move that was voted the most surprising of the offseason by WNBA GMs. Bonner’s experience was expected to help propel the Fever to the next level; Clark referenced Bonner’s leadership throughout the offseason. Against Atlanta, however, Bonner had a game-worst +/- rating of -19 and was limited to just 16 minutes on the court.
Griner and Jones did not just affect the Fever in the paint but were critical in pressuring Clark on the perimeter. While Rhyne Howard spent most of the first half shadowing Clark, Griner and Jones were willing to step up and defend Clark around Fever screens. Clark was still able to score 27 points and earned a double-double with 11 assists, but Atlanta clearly disrupted the Fever game plan with their young guards on the perimeter and the frontcourt duo of Griner and Jones. The 6’3” Jones and 6’9” Griner each played over 31 minutes and helped address potential fit concerns in new head coach Karl Smesko’s offense.
Indiana has an immediate opportunity for revenge
Atlanta will look to continue its success on Thursday at home in Atlanta against the Fever in the second leg of a home-and-home series with Indiana. The Dream will be hosting their home opener in State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, as opposed to their usual home arena south of Atlanta. Caitlin Clark and the Fever will look to get back on track as they travel to the venue where they went 2-0 in 2024.