Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Indiana Fever Stun Atlanta Dream in Elimination Game to Punch Their Ticket to Semifinals

Fever won their first playoffs series since 2015!

Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

On Thursday, September 18, the Indiana Fever registered their first playoffs series win since 2015. The Fever stunned Dream with an 87-85 win in Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs first-round series to pave their way through to the semifinals. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 24 points, two rebounds, and one assist. She was shooting 7-of-16 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Odyssey Sims poured 16 points, two rebounds, and eight assists, whereas Aliyah Boston recorded another double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds to guide the Fever to a remarkable win. While the short-handed Fever displayed commendable offense, it was Lexie Hull’s steal that sealed the deal for them. Hull came up with a steal in the final seven seconds of the game to help the Fever knock the No. 3 Dream out of the trophy hunt.

LOCK DOWN LEXIE 🔒

Lexie Hull's steal with less than 10 seconds remaining helped seal the series against the Dream. pic.twitter.com/2OzQLgY6vI
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 19, 2025

On the other hand, Atlanta, who took an early lead in the series with game 1 win, were led by Allisha Gray’s 19 points, 12 rebounds, and one assist. Jordin Canada dropped 18 points, three rebounds, and ten assists, whereas Rhyne Howard chipped in 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. In addition to them, Brionna Jones also finished with a double-digit score as she poured in 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

FEVER MOVIN’ ON 🙌

The No. 6 @IndianaFever advance to the Semi-Finals of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs presented by @Google after defeating the No. 3 Atlanta Dream 2-1 in the First Round!

This is the Fever's first series win since 2015.#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/1bE0epSUuw
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 19, 2025

Fever’s Last-Second Comeback Guides them to First Semifinals in Over a Decade

The Indiana Fever began the game on a dominating note, having outscored Dream 29-27 in the opening quarter. The hosts made a comeback in the second period, and entered the halftime with a 56-49 lead. The Dream maintained their dominance after halftime and finished the third quarter on a 73-69 lead. However, the game flipped in the final seven seconds of the game, when the Fever took the charge, and never looked back again.

You can't leave Kelsey Mitchell that open 🫣

She has 17 PTS & 3 3PM already! It's not even halftime yet!

IND-ATL | ESPN2 | WNBA Playoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/5T4B3nYhi0
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 19, 2025

In the final seven seconds, the Fever took a one-point 86-85 lead, owing to Aliyah Boston’s bucket. Everything had come down to that particular moment, when Indiana was required to defend its possession in order to save its postseason. It was when Lexie Hull stole the ball out of the inbound, forcing Atlanta to foul. Odyssey Sims hit one of the two free throws and gave the final possession to Atlanta with one second left. However, Brionna Jones’ shot fell short, and the Fever booked their first semifinals berth in over a decade.

Fever will be up against the Las Vegas Aces or the Seattle Storm in 2025 WNBA Playoffs semifinals, scheduled from Sunday, September 21.

2025 WNBA Playoffs

Atlanta Dream

Indiana Fever

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.