Tag Archives: WNBA game recap

Indiana Fever Win 4th Straight: Kelsey Mitchell Leads the Charge Over Dallas Wings

The Indiana Fever are officially rolling. With their commanding 88–78 win over the Dallas Wings, they’ve now won four straight games—continuing their late-season surge in the 2025 WNBA campaign.

Dominance from the Start

Although the game was tied 22–22 after the first quarter, the Fever took control in the second, outscoring Dallas 26–20 to lead at the half. By the third quarter, they had stretched their lead further, holding a 12-point advantage at one point. Dallas threatened late, cutting the deficit to six with just over five minutes left, but Indiana never lost their grip on the game.

Kelsey Mitchell Back in Form

After a quieter game against Phoenix, Kelsey Mitchell bounced back in a big way—dropping 23 points and leading the Fever’s scoring attack. Her performance set the tone early and helped keep the Wings on their heels.

Ari McDonald and the Bench Show Up

Aari McDonald followed up her 27-point game with another strong outing—15 points, 6 assists, and 4 threes made. Her energy continues to be a game-changer for Indiana.

The Fever bench was once again a difference-maker. After dropping 32 points against Phoenix, they added 21 more against Dallas. Players like Lexie Hull, Dantas, and Chloe Bibby (who scored 6 points in limited minutes and hit 2-of-3 from deep) have made an undeniable impact. Sydney Colson stayed hot from beyond the arc, continuing her red-hot shooting.

Dominating the Glass & Sharing the Ball

Indiana crushed Dallas on the boards, out-rebounding them 44–30. Natasha Howard was relentless, grabbing 16 rebounds to go with 11 points and 5 assists—helping Aaliyah Boston battle down low.

Speaking of Boston, she delivered a double-double of her own (12 points, 10 rebounds) and added 5 assists. Her leadership continues to show even when she starts games slowly.

Sophie Cunningham vs. Paige Bueckers

Sophie Cunningham was tasked with a tough defensive assignment, guarding rookie standout Paige Bueckers. While Bueckers got her buckets, Cunningham and the Fever defense made her work for every point—especially limiting her beyond the arc.

Key Stats:

FG%: Fever 45.2%, Wings 40%

3PT: Fever 12-of-28 (42.9%), Wings 2-of-15 (13%)

Rebounds: Fever 44, Wings 30

Assists: Fever 25, Wings 16

Turnovers: Fever 20, Wings 15

Looking Ahead: Can They Secure a Top-4 Seed?

With this win, the Fever are just a half-game out of the 4th or 5th seed. Upcoming matchups—including a pivotal road game at Seattle—could shape their playoff trajectory. If the Fever can stay hot, and if Caitlin Clark returns healthy, this team could be very dangerous come playoff time.

Final Thoughts

The Fever are showing identity, depth, and resilience. With the bench producing, stars shining, and chemistry improving, this is starting to look like a team no one wants to face.

Chloe Bibby’s emergence adds another layer of floor-spacing, and if she gets more minutes, it could open things up even more for the Fever offense.

Aari McDonald’s 27-Point Masterclass Powers Indiana Fever Past Phoenix Mercury

The Indiana Fever just sent a message to the WNBA—and they did it with authority.

In what may be their most defining win of the season, the Fever dismantled the Phoenix Mercury 107-101 in a game that felt deeply personal. This wasn’t just about climbing up the standings. It was about proving a point.

And leading the charge? Aari McDonald, who turned in a career-best performance with 27 points, showing grit, poise, and playmaking brilliance. This game may just be her WNBA coming-out party.

The Unsung Hero Becomes the Star

McDonald, who arrived on a hardship contract earlier this season, wasn’t expected to be the centerpiece of the Fever’s offensive engine. But with Caitlin Clark out and star players like Kelsey Mitchell, Aaliyah Boston, and Natasha Howard struggling in the first half, she stepped up in a massive way.

Her second-quarter explosion helped the Fever outscore the Mercury 35–20, including a 10-0 run that completely flipped the game.

McDonald finished 7-of-11 from the field, 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and was relentless attacking the rim. She wasn’t just scoring—she was orchestrating.

Bench Mob Brings the Energy

The Fever’s bench played arguably their most complete game of the season. Chloe Bibby delivered another strong performance with 10 points, proving she belongs in this rotation. Sydney Colson knocked down timely threes and brought energy. Lexie Hull locked in on defense, and DeWanna Dantas contributed valuable minutes down the stretch.

In total, the Fever’s bench poured in 32 points, matching Phoenix’s second unit and showing that depth might finally be a strength in Indiana.

Personal History with DeWanna Bonner Fuels Fire

This game was about more than just standings. It was about pride. Former Fever player DeWanna Bonner—who left the team on rocky terms after a rocky offseason—returned to Indiana with something to prove. But instead of redemption, she was met with boos, frustration, and a stifling defensive effort.

Bonner finished with just 4 points on 1-for-4 shooting and looked visibly flustered by the crowd and her former teammates. If revenge was the motive, it backfired badly.

Final Stats & Game Breakdown

  • Indiana Fever: 51% FG, 45% from three, 32/38 FT (84%)
  • Phoenix Mercury: Outrebounded 33–31
  • Bench Points: 32 apiece
  • Largest Lead: 12 for both teams
  • Fever Comeback: Down by 12 in Q1 → led by halftime

In the fourth quarter, Aaliyah Boston took over with 14 points, finally breaking free after a quiet start. Despite foul trouble, Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard’s leadership kept the team composed.

What’s Next for Indiana?

With three straight wins, the Fever are heating up at just the right time. If they can pull off a victory in Dallas and then take care of business against the Seattle Storm, they’ll be riding a five-game win streak—even without Caitlin Clark on the floor.

This game wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.