The Indiana Fever are once again on the brink of postseason elimination. After dropping the opening game of their playoff series against the Atlanta Dream, the team turns to a concise rallying cry: “time to even the series.”
Indiana’s 80-68 defeat in Game 1 placed them one loss away from back-to-back first-round exits after they were swept 2-0 by the Connecticut Sun in 2024, in what was their first playoff appearance since 2016.
This year, the challenge comes against Atlanta, a team boasting firepower through Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who each scored 20 points in the opener, whilst Naz Hillmon added a strong presence inside with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
But the Fever’s response to the setback was not resignation but determination. On Monday, the organization released a hype video accompanied by the direct five-word message: “time to even the series.”
It was designed to focus the players and remind them of the opportunity still ahead, that they’re not out of it yet and they can still find themselves in the WNBA Finals in a few weeks.
Now for the first time in nearly a decade, Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host a Fever playoff game as under the WNBA’s new 1-1-1 first-round format, lower-seeded teams are guaranteed a home contest, giving Indiana a vital chance to reset.
Stephanie White acknowledged the importance of returning to Indianapolis, where the crowd can provide momentum in a do-or-die matchup and Kelsey Mitchell will again be central to the Fever’s hopes.
The guard delivered 27 points in Game 1, her highest total in a playoff game as she continues to step up in place of the injured Caitlin Clark; eclipsing her previous postseason best of 21 points set during last year’s series against Connecticut.
Mitchell also contributed four assists and a block, standing out as Indiana’s most reliable offensive option despite the loss and fan reaction summed up her performance on the night.
One user wrote via X.com, formerly Twitter, “Great game Kelsey!”
Whilst another said, “Kelsey you are playing your heart out.”
The appreciation reflects her growing status as the team’s leader in Clark’s absence, but to extend the series, Indiana will require more than Mitchell’s scoring. Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, Odyssey Sims, and Natasha Howard must elevate their contributions to counter Atlanta’s depth.
The Dream’s balanced offense has consistently pressured defenses, and slowing it down will be essential if the Fever are to force a decisive Game 3.
When is Game 2 of the Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream? Date and where to watch
Game 2 of the Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream WNBA playoff series is set for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 19:30 ET/16:30 PT.
Fans can watch the action live on ESPN or stream it through WNBA League Pass and select platforms that carry ESPN, as Indiana battles to keep its postseason hopes alive.
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