The Indiana Fever entered Saturday’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream looking to make a comeback after a 108-101 loss on Thursday. By halftime, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell made it clear that Indiana’s approach centered around matching Atlanta’s physicality.
During a halftime interview broadcast by ESPN, Mitchell delivered a straightforward take when asked what adjustments the Fever needed to make against the Dream, who are known for their toughness.
“I think it’s a little bit more passion. Can’t be soft. We gotta punch first because they’re gonna punch. They’re not gonna stop,” Mitchell said. “So I think it’s meeting the physicality early and let the chips fall where they may.”
The quote resonated with fans as Indiana looked to gain the upper hand in the game. The Fever led the game 59-56 at halftime.
Fever Looking to Bounce Back Against Atlanta
Atlanta entered the rematch strongly, led by Angel Reese. She scored 21 points and 11 rebounds in Thursday’s win.
Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston played well in the game, but eventually lost the match.
In tonight’s game, Clark scored 13 points in the first quarter. Indiana’s offense looked quite good, and the Fever got their highest-scoring first quarter of the season.
During the first quarter, cameras caught Clark and Reese exchanging words following a foul sequence involving Dream guard Jordin Canada.
Mitchell’s halftime comments were well received by Fever fans. However, Atlanta once again beat the Fever by 113-96. And Reese created anew record in the WNBA by becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 rebounds.
Mitchell has long been seen as one of Indiana’s veteran leaders, and her message reflected the mentality the Fever were to carry into the second half of the season.
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