Fever Continue Winning Streak Without Caitlin Clark, Climb Three Games Above .500 for First Time Since 2015
The Indiana Fever extended their remarkable winning streak on Wednesday night, securing a gritty 78–72 victory over the Atlanta Dream — and they did it without star rookie Caitlin Clark. With the win, the Fever improved to 17–14 on the season, marking the first time since 2015 that the franchise has climbed three games above .500.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, missed her first professional game due to a minor ankle sprain suffered in last week’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun. While her absence was certainly felt, the Fever showcased the depth and resilience they’ve built throughout the season.
Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell stepped up in a major way, scoring a team-high 24 points, including a clutch three-pointer with under two minutes remaining. Aliyah Boston added a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the paint on both ends of the floor. NaLyssa Smith contributed 14 points and a key block late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.
“Obviously we miss Caitlin, but this team has grown so much,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said postgame. “We’re learning to win in different ways, and that’s what it takes to be successful in this league.”
The Fever’s recent hot streak has now reached six consecutive wins, with four of those coming against playoff-contending teams. The team’s defense has been a focal point of the turnaround, holding opponents to an average of just 73.8 points during the streak. Offensively, Indiana has found better balance, no longer relying solely on Clark’s scoring and playmaking.
For the Fever franchise, this season represents a turning point. After years of rebuilding and missing the playoffs, they’re now firmly in the postseason conversation with only nine games left in the regular season. The last time the Fever made the playoffs was in 2016, and expectations are mounting that they’ll return this year — with or without their rookie sensation on the court.
Clark is expected to return later this week as the team monitors her status day-to-day. In the meantime, Indiana continues to prove it can win with a full-team effort, a promising sign as the Fever push for their first playoff berth in nearly a decade.
