The Indiana Fever’s hopes of a perfect start to the WNBA season came to an end with a narrow and hard-fought loss to the Atlanta Dream, but despite the result, there was plenty to be optimistic about. The 85-82 defeat may have closed the door on an undefeated run, but it opened up a much bigger conversation — this Fever team is for real.

Led by the dynamic duo of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Indiana showed resilience, fire, and flashes of greatness that suggest the franchise is on the rise — and fast.

Caitlin Clark Continues to Impress

Rookie guard Caitlin Clark once again proved she’s built for the big stage, finishing the game with:

26 points

8 assists

6 rebounds

3 steals

From logo threes to fearless drives through contact, Clark brought her full offensive arsenal. Even with Atlanta throwing double teams and switching aggressively, Clark remained composed and creative, keeping Indiana in the game until the final moments.

“You don’t want to lose, but we’re competing every single night,” Clark said after the game. “We’re close — and we’re learning how to close.”

Aliyah Boston Holds Down the Paint

While Clark lit it up from the perimeter, Aliyah Boston brought her trademark physicality and interior dominance. She recorded a double-double with:

18 points

11 rebounds

2 blocks

Boston battled Atlanta’s bigs all night and remained a consistent presence in the paint. Her leadership and toughness were crucial in keeping the Fever in striking distance down the stretch.

A Battle to the Buzzer

The game was a back-and-forth affair with nine lead changes and four ties in the fourth quarter alone. The Fever held a slim lead late in the game, but a couple of missed free throws and a clutch three from Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard gave the Dream just enough room to escape with the win.

Still, the Fever’s effort was far from a letdown — it was an encouraging sign of what’s to come.

“This one stings,” said head coach Christy Sides. “But we’re proud of the fight. That’s a playoff-level opponent, and we went toe-to-toe.”

Progress in Defeat

Despite the end of the Fever’s undefeated streak, fans and analysts alike came away energized by what they saw. The team is building chemistry fast, and the Clark-Boston duo is already becoming one of the most exciting in the league.

The Fever’s bench also made a strong showing, with solid minutes from Lexie Hull and Erica Wheeler helping keep the game close.

“It’s not just about wins and losses right now,” said Boston. “It’s about growing, and we’re growing every game.”

Conclusion: A Loss With Long-Term Promise

The final score may show a loss, but the Indiana Fever’s performance against the Atlanta Dream was anything but discouraging. From Clark’s scoring explosions to Boston’s dominance in the paint, Indiana is proving that this young team is already ahead of schedule.

Yes, the dream of an undefeated season is over — but in its place is a more important reality: The Fever are back, and they’re only getting better.