Indiana Fever‘s Mitchell and Smith Shine in Overtime Victory against Dallas Wings
In a thrilling matchup, the Indiana Fever emerged victorious in overtime against the Dallas Wings, with Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith leading the way with 30 points each. The Fever’s impressive performance prevented the Wings from securing the fourth seed in the playoffs.
Mitchell’s shooting prowess was on full display as she knocked down seven 3-pointers out of her 30 points, while Smith delivered a career-high performance with 30 points of her own. Together, they propelled the Indiana Fever to a 97-84 win in an intense battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Indiana Fever’s strategic play and strong offensive contributions from their star players enabled them to dominate throughout the game. Mitchell sank 10 of 20 shots from the field, showcasing her accuracy from beyond the arc by converting 7 of 11 attempts. Smith, on the other hand, exhibited her versatility by making 12 of 18 shots, including two 3-pointers.
Rookie standout Aliyah Boston also made a notable impact, adding 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists to the Fever’s win. Boston’s exceptional performance marked her 10th double-double of the season, solidifying her status as a rising star in the league.
For the Dallas Wings, Satou Sabally and Arike Ogunbowale emerged as the top scorers with 22 points each. Their impressive offensive output kept the Wings in the game, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory. Natasha Howard contributed 15 points, while Crystal Dangerfield provided 11 points off the bench. Teaira McCowan of the Fever put up a double-double performance with 12 points and 10 rebounds, marking her 11th double-double this season.
The game reached its most thrilling point in the fourth quarter when Dallas took a two-possession lead. However, Mitchell’s clutch 3-pointer brought the Indiana Fever back within reach, trailing by just one point with 3:28 remaining. Mitchell’s sixth 3-pointer of the game tied the score at 78-all with 26 seconds left in regulation. Despite a couple of missed opportunities by Dangerfield and Ogunbowale in the final three seconds, the game headed into overtime.
To kick off the extra period, Mitchell showcased her long-range shooting skills once again, sinking her final 3-pointer. The Indiana Fever capitalized on this momentum, scoring the first eight points of overtime and never trailing again. Their exceptional teamwork and resilient play ultimately secured the well-deserved victory.
With this win, the Dallas Wings were unable to secure the fourth seed in the playoffs, leaving their homecourt advantage in the first round at stake. However, the Wings had previously clinched a playoff berth with a 110-100 victory over the Fever just a few days prior.
While the Indiana Fever will miss the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, their 12 victories this season surpass the total number of wins they achieved in the past two seasons combined. Their notable improvement signifies positive growth within the organization and sets the stage for future success.
Kelsey Mitchell’s performance in this game also held special significance, as she set the league record for 3-pointers in a single regular-season game during her sophomore season back in 2019. In a resounding 104-76 victory over the Connecticut Sun, Mitchell made nine 3-pointers, cementing her place in the WNBA record books.
Overall, the Indiana Fever’s exceptional display of skill and determination in their overtime win against the Dallas Wings showcased their potential and left fans eagerly anticipating their future success.
