The Indiana Fever edged the Atlanta Dream 84–81 on June 18, 2026, in a game where defense and clutch shooting decided the outcome. The Fever’s offense clicked early, with Aliyah Boston (22 points, 11 rebounds) bullying the Dream’s frontline. Boston’s and-one layup at the 6:42 mark of the second quarter put Indiana up 48–42, capping a 12–0 run that flipped the deficit.
Atlanta answered with Rhyne Howard (28 points) drilling a step-back three at the 5:11 mark of the third to cut the lead to 64–61, but the Fever’s defense stiffened. Defensive stops turned the tide. Kelsey Mitchell (19 points) forced a turnover on a full-court press that led to a fast-break layup by Boston at the 2:33 mark of the fourth, extending Indiana’s lead to 78–73.
The Dream’s final push stalled after Howard’s jumper rimmed out with 31 seconds left, sealing the win. 1%. The Fever outrebounded the Dream 38–32, including 12 offensive boards.
The win marked Indiana’s third straight victory, while Atlanta dropped to 4–8 on the season, keeping them out of playoff contention for now. The game also exposed Atlanta’s depth issues. Beyond Howard and Cheyenne Parker (14 points), the Dream’s bench managed just 19 points.
Indiana, meanwhile, got 15 points from NaLyssa Smith off the bench, providing critical relief for Boston and Mitchell. Boston’s efficiency stood out. 3% from the field despite frequent double-teams, while limiting Parker to 5-of-14 shooting.
The Fever’s ability to slow Parker—Atlanta’s second-leading scorer this season—was a blueprint for containing the Dream’s offensive firepower. The defensive battle wasn’t just a one-off. Atlanta entered the game ranked 10th in the league in defensive efficiency, while Indiana was third.
Their clash of styles—Fever’s physicality vs. Dream’s perimeter-heavy attack—set the tone early. The win reinforced Indiana’s reputation as a team that thrives in grind-it-out games, while Atlanta’s struggles to adapt to slower, methodical opponents became a recurring theme.
"We knew they’d come at us with Howard and [Cheyenne] Parker in transition," said Fever coach Christie Sides. " The loss dropped Atlanta to 4–8, all but eliminating their playoff hopes, while Indiana’s victory kept them in the hunt for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. The Dream’s inability to generate consistent offense from their bench will now force coach Tanisha Wright to rethink rotations or risk falling further behind in the standings. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
For WNBA fans who missed the game, this recap cuts through the noise to show exactly how the Fever’s defense and Boston’s dominance controlled the pace. It’s the fastest way to grasp the tactical chess match that decided a tight, high-stakes matchup. The win also underscores Indiana’s resilience in close games, while Atlanta’s lack of bench production and defensive lapses raise questions about their long-term viability in a competitive conference.
Frequently asked
Who were the top scorers in the Fever vs. Dream game?
Aliyah Boston led Indiana with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard paced Atlanta with 28 points.
What was the final score of the Fever vs. Dream game?
The Indiana Fever won 84–81 over the Atlanta Dream on June 18, 2026.
How did the Fever’s defense impact the game?
Indiana’s defense forced key turnovers, including a full-court press that led to a go-ahead layup by Boston with under three minutes left.
What were the shooting percentages for both teams?
Indiana shot 49.2% from the field, while Atlanta managed 42.1%. The Fever also outrebounded the Dream 38–32.
How did Aliyah Boston’s performance compare to her season averages?
Boston’s 22 points and 11 rebounds exceeded her season averages of 18.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
What was Atlanta’s bench production in the game?
Atlanta’s bench scored just 19 points, with Howard and Parker combining for 42 of the team’s 81 points.
