The Indiana Fever are heading to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2015, and they have Lexie Hull to thank for one of the most clutch defensive plays of the postseason.
In a heart-pounding finish at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Hull came up with a crucial steal in the final seconds to complete Indiana’s comeback and secure an 87-85 victory over the Atlanta Dream. The dramatic moment sent the home crowd into a frenzy and marked a defining statement for a team that has been steadily rising all season.
The Fever had trailed for most of the game, falling behind by as many as eight points. With just over two minutes left, Indiana still faced a five-point deficit.
But in a performance that showcased their growing resilience and composure under pressure, the Fever roared back.
Hull’s defensive heroics and a late-game surge lift Indiana
The turning point came when Aliyah Boston drove to the rim and laid in the go-ahead basket with just 7.4 seconds left on the clock, giving Indiana an 86-85 lead. That set the stage for Hull‘s game-saving play.
With one final chance to take back the lead, the Dream inbounded the ball to Rhyne Howard. Anticipating the move, Hull stepped into the passing lane and cleanly stole the ball, effectively ending Atlanta‘s season. Forced to foul, the Dream sent Indiana to the free-throw line, where the final point sealed the win.
On the bench, Caitlin Clark exploded with excitement, leaping from her seat and embracing teammates in celebration. Sophie Cunningham and the rest of the bench matched her energy, springing to their feet as the crowd erupted.
Though Hull‘s final stat line-10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals-wasn’t eye-popping, her defensive timing was impeccable. The steal in the closing seconds will be remembered as one of the signature moments in the Fever‘s postseason push.
Balanced offense fuels comeback
While Hull delivered the signature moment, the win was a team effort. All five starters for the Fever scored in double figures, demonstrating the balance and chemistry that have defined Indiana’s recent surge.
Kelsey Mitchell led the team with 24 points, including 19 in the first half to keep Indiana within reach before their final run. Boston, continuing to emerge as the franchise cornerstone, delivered a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
Veteran guard Odyssey Sims provided steady leadership, chipping in 16 points and eight assists to help maintain offensive rhythm. That cohesion, combined with late-game execution, allowed the Fever to complete one of the most thrilling playoff wins in recent memory.
Now, the Indiana Fever are one step closer to a WNBA title-and with performances like these, they’ve proven they belong on the biggest stage.
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