Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream [FULL GAME] August 26, 2024| WNBA Season 2024

[Music] I'm thank you Dr Cohen for all you in the CDC D I've got $50 courtesy of our partners at the georgo lottery for thisi starting got number seven of Le of Boston and that out State Farm Arena and the dream are looking to avenge their last high priority for the dream as we close out this season her Hall of Fame career now second on the all-time scoring list passing through them the last three games scor 20 or more points aiyah Bost was on the coaching staff with the atlan and Indiana fever went it 91 to 79 to the left P fake and a quick bucket on the pick and roll and we see it there off the mark first attempt and Aaliyah Bost good Boston doesn't get it to go but on second attempt especially when Atlanta is switching and she has a guard on her around the [Applause] bucket Ryan Howard in and out Caitlyn Clark comes down with the [Applause] [Music] rebound Indiana has won the last two against Atlanta this [Applause] season Nelissa Smith at the top of the key being harassed at the top by NS Hilman and it just looks easy for aiyah Boston it looks easy but Boston really battled for position against Tina Charles for that entire possession off the deck Jordan Canada can't connect and they've been held to one side Kelsey Mitchell The elusive score gets another bucket a quick 0 run for Indiana and that is what you worry about defensively if you're tiisha right the pace of this Indiana Fever team on a Miss by Atlanta or even taking it out they can get up the floor so quickly off the pass or the dribble Atlanta looking for their first bucket right now 12th in points 12th in assists and Aliah Al gray knocks down the triple that's a good bucket for Alisha gray picking up where she left off she was huge in terms of her offensive uction against Phoenix but the response for Caitlyn Clark top of the key three on the board and it looked like she got that one over the top of Jordan Canada who's giving up a couple of inches to Caitlyn Clark but has the quickness and speed when she finds herself matched up against 22 in red that'll be fun to watch tonight Jordan Canada standing at 5-6 Caitlyn Clark at 6 foot a foul called against Indiana and aiyah Boston picks up her first going back to that last bucket by Indiana I talked about the defense on Caitlyn Clark and Jordan Canada looks to close out but again she's giving up a little size and Clark's so good at creating separation and getting that shot up quickly n Hillman stepping to the line her seventh start for Atlanta it's been really solid but more than just what she can provide offensively she really is that cleanup type of player it's how she defends as well she does everything she defends on cleanup she sets good screens she's going to rim run hard you never have to worry about about her boxing out she does all the little things communication total leader on the floor Caitlyn frees herself up again that one back iron and Ryan Howard comes down with the [Applause] rebound same spot gray lines it up connect excellent pass by Ryan Howard she understands that the defense is going to shift in her Direction and that was a tough pass to make across the court but again the quick bucket by Indiana it's almost like Kelsey Mitchell is just her first is almost like everyone else is third Up and Under no good for Ryan Howard the quick kick out Kelsey Mitchell again at The Rim this time held up by nman transition defense is so important for Atlanta they have to get back and get set make Indiana SE bodies Melissa Smith was trying to body Tina Charles on the inside so that will be the first foul for Tina Charles we'll quickly take a look then long rebounds Indiana's going to take a fair amount of three-pointers everyone has to be there to crash Melissa Smith on the board and that's a player Christy sides has asked throughout this season to give more on both ends of the floor her ceiling so high trying to see if she can get her more looks on the inside as another foul is going to go against Atlanta and you're right about Alysa Smith but the one thing to consider too is that team roster has continued to develop as they have Timmy F binl and Deus Dantes as reinforcement there're only three players with more than six years of exper experience in the WNBA doas being one of them spent some time in Atlanta 3 Seasons zag vlay also missed seven games prior to the one she was just able to play in due to the foot injury and plate 16 minutes I'm sure we'll see her soon here oh is that a late whistle cuz there was definitely contact it looked like on that attempt by Alicia gray let's see here yeah see how Clark grabbed her from the back that should have been a foul but the Baseline official could not see that and going lie you know what they say angel heard that a time or two outside the logo Ryan Howard short Smith securing the rebound and right now a 15 to8 lead for Indiana coming off a loss against the links 80 to 90 great defense by Lorella kubai on Aaliyah Boston gray able to secure it back during Canada top of the key lets it Go and that's a different look in conversation than we saw in Phoenix that's a big bucket and Canada went three for seven from long range against Phoenix and that gives them an extra pump on the offensive end a player that can knock it down and create space you mentioned the presence of lurella Kuai with shyen Parker t out in a beautiful pass by Caitlyn Clark but no connection from Aaliyah Boston in and out Jordan Canada at the rim and is one of the best with finding the contact and getting to the free throw line and I know we started this game talking about Tina Charles but adding Jordan Canada to this matchup with Indiana could be a game changer because of how she impacts the floor on both in Alicia gray caral it Canada lines it up bucket contest and when the next five straight to help them win bronze just a few weeks ago thanks sa I think the biggest part of that is the chemistry just understanding how how to play off of one another we can say that about Indiana as well there was a team that did not have that chemistry and you can tell the difference that made as the season progress but Brian Howard also understanding what type of player she needs to be in the season with so many different pieces added to the roster yeah I think her 3x3 participation came at the right time she had missed the 10 games before the Olympic break came back played believe one contest before that break um and so it helped with her conditioning and also to tap point the physicality and it's just a different style of basketball that helps her overall IQ one on the shot clock Boston put it up got her own rebound blocked at The Rim by Nia coffee yes she can do that Nia coffee had a block party the other night against Phoenix I don't think they put every block she should have gotten in the Box Score but she was very disruptive and you see Tenisha Wright rewarding her with some early minutes in this game also because of the absence of Cheyenne Parker TUS missing her third game due to an lower leg injury that she suffered against Connecticut four on the shot clock Corner three and sandon continues to just have rows hasn't scored in the last two games and only one field goal in the prior [Music] two that call is going to go Atlanta's way great box out by Nia coffee Melissa Smith called with the foul and Atlanta it's a look for some points on the inside right now Indiana owning that department 12 to zip but it's much better than the first two meetings before between these teams Angel June 13th the fever scored 33 points in the first quarter June 21st they had 35 in the first quarter and they didn't have Jordan Canada who was able to get another look in the paint and stepping up to for two more free throws that is going to be a very difficult matchup for Caitlyn Clark trying to contain Jordan Canada off of the bout she's so quick very exposive I can take some physicality and keep in mind she comes to this team having won two championships as a part of the Seattle Storm organization so her experience and the playoff experience she has is vital for the Atlanta you got to think Tanisha wri also asking her to start putting her foot on the gas especially getting to the rim she didn't shoot any free throws against Phoenix in their game on Friday went two for two the game prior to that against Phoenix but now we're seeing back to back looks for her at the charity strp yeah I mean the time that she has missed Within injury it's incredible her conditioning I mean she is in great shape to have Miss significant time that she did this year less than four minutes to play in the first first quarter Atlanta on a 11 to4 run and they just cled to pain nothing for Caitlyn Clark there really good help once again by Nia coffee Tanisha wri has talked about Nia's basketball IQ on the defensive end that she just knows where to play right here squeezes over it looked like Alicia gray might have gotten Clark on the arm Aaliyah Boston can get score at any level of the floor we've also seen her develop that three she's grown more confident in knocking down this season and having an excellent passing season as well her assist numbers oh no kayin CL just went down and holding her right or left ankle rather so ryanh Howard picks up the foul that'll be her first but all eyes are on Caitlyn Clark who has yet to get off of the floor ah man that left foot that looks very painful and she is still not gotten up from the court we hope she is okay more time right there but you're right angel I mean I mentioned at the top of the show that she is having one of the best rookie seasons in WBA history the 19 assists in the game the triple double as a rookie leading the league and assist and she's only continued to get better as she has adjusted to the WNBA style of Play She Knows what her strengths are and has really propelled the confidence of this Indiana Fever team through the roof it was very interesting having conversation with her at the beginning of the season and with her a lot of people understand that she broke the record for scoring in college but also she was up there in assist as well and she said I'm okay I know I'm not connecting right now but I'm okay with the the gambles that I'm taking with passes and now we're seeing that vision from her as well as her teammates getting used to her on the floor five on the shot clock and Melissa Smith gets the n one Melissa Smith tends to play her best basketball against the Atlanta Dream I was looking at her numbers coming into this game and she had five points in the last two games combined but went to work right here on the spin move and it looked like Lorella kubai got her on the arm but with Caitlin Clark out of the game that changes things for Indiana we have the veteran Erica wheeler on the floor just a different type of point guard floor leader and I expect to see Kelsey Mitchell even more involved on the offensive end having to do more ball handling with Clark out so many different story lines coming into game Erica who spent time in Atlanta in 2022 under Christy sides and she was the assistant but also Nelissa Smith going second in the draft behind Ryan [Applause] Howard wheel on the floor has had sparing minutes but comes off the bench as an energy type player can't connect there as Neo coffee able to come down with a rebound NE cofy has had a quality showing in this first quarter especially on the defensive in [Music] rebounding gray wanted the foul nothing there as we're under two minutes to play in the first [Music] quarter Kelsey Midel doesn't need time to get it up a little strong that's one of those long rebounds that we talked about in our keys to the game and it's a costly one for Atlanta played 16 minutes in their previous game against Minnesota to meet that vlay had four points we talked about the injury that to her foot that she's been working through but expecting big minutes from her gray and Lexi Hull fumbles that one out of bounds it'll go back to Atlanta with also check in with Haley [Applause] Jones it's Jordan Canada now healthy it has shifted the rotation for Tanisha Wright where Haley Jones is playing back minutes she has started a majority of the games this season so gives her a different look as [Applause] well Atlanta looking to end this 70 run by Indiana and call on Ryan Howard when you need a bucket just a well executed play on the offensive end with screening action for Ryan Howard to get the Baseline three Ryan Howard with her first bucket of the game less than a minute to play [Applause] great defense on Mitchell who can be so Shifty but now finding ways to limit them to one rebound Smith up top interesting enough call the Stanford Cardinal sends down Haley Jones what's teammates Ryan Howard pulls up and nothing there so Indiana can hold on to the last shot of this quarter yeah they've had to work really hard for offense since Caitlyn Clark left the game and as I mentioned expect Kelsey Mitchell to do more ball handling on the offensive ENT four on the game clock steps to the side the Lefty just off the mark and that will do it for the first quarter with Indie the dream coming out of the timeout that's Cena Charles's first bucket of the game kin Clark back into the ball game it didn't take her much time to get acclimated yeah really good to see kitly Clark back on the floor you see there was a drought offensively with her out of the game on a few possessions Ryan Howard only had the three points in the first quarter off on that distance three Atlanta's points have come all from the outside no points on the end Indiana on the other end has 16 points in the paint of their 22 in the first quarter a big part of that is aiyah Boston who's now in double figures Atlanta cannot be so concerned about the outside attack of Indiana that they don't guard on the interior you've got to Gap It Up Show bodies but also they need pressure on the passers you said Nelissa Smith was a player at team of childs able to get her second bucket you said Alissa Smith was a player that always LED playing against atlantal aiyah Boston also had her career high against him at 27 now she has 28 but was filling it in Atlanta or against Atlanta Haley Jones still in the lineup turns around can't score over her former teammate deir dantz breaking the ball at the floor she's a familiar face for Atlanta spent several seasons here with the dream [Applause] spent three seasons with Atlanta starting in 2015 17 and 18 as well Tina Charles getting another look the onelegged shot that's pretty much why she's in second place now scoring I mean Tina Charles has come out of that break balling she is on a personal run right now carrying Atlanta's offense six point shooting 75% from the field [Applause] Dantes and that is what Demus Dantes can bring great inside and outside attack with some physicality can stretch the floor she's been a great addition to add to the depth of Indiana's interior look at how she can body up Tina Charles does so many things well but has scored eight points in the last two games Kelsey Mitchell up ahead and a foul called against Haley Jones you mentioned it earlier transition defense so important for Atlanta in this ball game especially Kelsey Mitchell I mean we were concerned about the speed of Kelsey Mitchell with the basketball with before Caitlyn Clark came to the team now she's running without it just waiting for a pass excellent look up the floor by Clark and that chemistry she just couldn't get it to go the Lefty at The Rim missing an easy one hope she's okay cuz she hit the stanion kind of hard as [Music] well Kelsey Mitchell as tough as they come and she steps up for two free throws as we mentioned the last three games he has scored 20 or more points just 10 games with 21 more points in the last two has shot over 80% career-high in field goal percentage boy what a season lost in all the conversation about Indiana and their Improvement is often how important and vital Kelsey Mitchell is to this team in terms of her outside shot her style of play how quickly how quick she is her and Caitlyn Clark really compliment each other so [Music] [Applause] well why not go back Tina Charles she has six points in the quarter and another she might have six and now eight points in the last three minutes I think Angel three minutes have gone off the clock I think uh yeah yeah four for six from the field eight points for Tina Charles in this quarter alone and we're just a couple of minutes in dantz top of the key she can do that as well she can I'm not sure she is able to play in Long stretches quite yet but she looks good not seeing any signs of fatigue so far boy that's that's important for her to be able to add to the [Music] scoring Miss handled under the basket by Jordan Canada Kelsey Mitchell wraps at The Rim it's the scoop for me though Lina that's his tight of a crossover as you will see this is the biggest lead for the Indiana Fever up the score because she can carry the offense in stretches and has the resume to prove it 10-point lead for Indiana the biggest of the ball game as we are approaching the six-minute Mark here in the second quarter n hman gets the ball but a swiped Away by Erica wheeler you have a jump ball and it looks like it will be between Kelsey Mitchell and Nas Hillman good hands by Erica wheeler getting that strip play was ran for Nas Hillman and good call because wheeler is smaller got the matchup Advantage but Indiana got the job done defensively and they're going to jump it up Indiana able to come up with it dtis and the pinpoint pass to Eric by Caitlyn Clark didn't like to look at The Rim so they'll set [Music] up inside look knocked Away by Nas Hillman and a big reason why she gets the minutes Maya Caldwell also a score for Atlanta with the triple in her first bucket really good catch and shoot I thought Caldwell played valuable minutes against Phoenix she had to come in with Atlanta have some foul trouble guard the perimeter for the Phoenix Mercury which is not easy she did well gray stretched out in and out but knocked Away by n Stillman so they'll be able to set up on the defensive end but that's a look gray once and nice job Hena to push it going the other way Clark missed one around the rim and they pushed it right back down their throats Melissa Smith is at the score table to check in at the next dead ball seven-point lead for [Applause] Indiana can see the attention that Aaliyah Boston is getting on the inside but that opens it up for deire Dantes you see why she's been granted more minutes and Jordan Canada will step up to the free throw line for her third time tonight ween court side to tap well guys just a huddle report from Tanisha right defensively she talked about her team doing their work early she said defensively we got to bring help and dig we can't wait until they get the ball inside specifically Leah Boston she said we've got to do our work early and make it tougher for them and then offensively she talked about her team settling down and finding the right shots moving the ball side to side and getting the O boards and finishing plays guys yeah I agreee with all those things and in particular on the defense of end I mentioned it earlier because Indiana can be a very potent three-point shooting team you can't be afraid to dig and help on the inside because no matter what it's always going to be a higher percentage shot in the paint and then the communication that comes with that as well knowing when and where to dig what the assignment is and they were tested in backto Back Games a different look as far as the caliber of the center for Britney grinder but Aaliyah Boston one of those players that you have to keep out of the paint early Mitchell pulls up money she snakes the screen as well as anyone in this league you see how tight she came off of that screening action leaving no space for Jordan Canada to catch her Dina rolls that one in and now she's a double figure so the big have taken over for this game but Atlanta's got to get some stops they've been able to go to Tina and get some scoring here in the second quarter but they got to play defense Ali gr the best defenders perimeter Defenders for Atlanta with the assignment of Caitlyn Clark as Melissa Smith front rims it yeah a good contest by Charles Doran didn't like the look so she'll reset things the big reason why we say this does look different as far as the pace for Atlanta dor Canada really finding when and where to attack for the dream so it will be Indiana's ball with Aaliyah Boston held up at the scores table Ryan Howard will check in for Atlanta this is the last game of the five-game home stand for Atlanta before they hit the road been able to go three and one so far on this home stand Kelsea MIT again wow and they're going to say she got fouled on the jump shot Angel yes take a look here Jordan Canada deing her up I didn't see any contact we our camera left with the shot there but I mean I did from every angle I saw didn't see that contact Kelsey Mitchell has been Elite in this second quarter as they have their biggest lead of the ball game and now she is leading all scores with 13 and the big thing for her is just the recognition she get she said I've always been an underdog in this league but really playing for her dad who passed she played for him at Ohio State so Mark Mitchell as Alex a gray gets fouled at The Rim Kelsey Mitchell just players that don't often get to share their story that has given so much to this game yeah you would see Kelsey and her dad together all the time he was her biggest fan so many of us met him in the gym and his love for the game of basketball particular women's basketball he coached the game just a tremendous loss but especially for Kelsey who I'm sure feels like she lost her best friend yep and her twin sister and now a word from Stuart Miller Simmons trial attorneys at Stuart Miller Simmons our goal is to I mean I'm convinced come on Chris Stewart I might have some things I need settled on okay [Applause] Alisa gray lines it up bottom of the net Atlanta shooting 35% from the field in the second quarter alone Indiana shot 71% Mitchell there's a zone that you see players and then there's K Kelsey M yeah and that was a contest but again the elevation on her jump shot and the confidence in that shot right now in this season no one's getting to her you got to keep get to her early Tina Charles able to respond with the bucket she now has 12 three rebounds to add as [Music] well so an offensive foul will go against Nelissa Smith and Tina Charles has been the answer in this second quarter 12.3 rebounds she accounts for 66% of their points in this quarter and Counting career where she scored in single digits and we're seeing that after the Olympic break oh man I'm just so happy for Kelsey Mitchell a player that has been putting in the work for a very long time Miss layup there by Nas Hillman but she's a two-time Allstar and that's one of the best storylines about the fever season as because the fever is in the playoff picture for the first time in a long time Kelsey is getting the shine she deserves fever looking to tie first time since 2016 and then the season 17 and 17 and so you think about how they've been able to improve a couple of number one overall draft picks don't don't hurt you as well turnover for Atlanta less than two minutes to play and Smith out front a couple missed opportunities for Atlanta and the fever making them pay Nelissa Smith has had a nice first half it's only the fourth turnover for Atlanta they've given it points off of them though Five Points for Indiana Ryan Howard relocating triple back iron but good offense and good awareness by Tina Charles getting Ryan Howard a wide open shot and wide open is Caitlyn Clark but she can't knock it down from up top tries it again from a different spot that will connect and The Crowd Goes Crazy we don't have a final count of the amount of people in this Arena the you will home in for Atlanta is at the Gateway Center Arena once again relocating for this Indiana game the first game they had 17575 people in attendance Jordan Canada with three on the shot clock Ray dagger Lanta needed that going into the half now down 12 but Smith on the other end couldn't get that one to fall knocked out of bounds so it will go to Atlanta Bo one thing Tanisha R's going to have to address at the half is how do we beat them back down the court I mean something that I talk about about when thinking about this Indiana Fever team is their youth is on their side when you think look at their lineup and the number of first second third year players they have and those fresh young legs and how they just run with so much great pace and they're in shape Pina Charles off the deck yeah Tina Charles heard me say young legs and say watch this okay look at my first half numbers 35 years old still doing [Applause] it 10 on the game clock Caitlyn Clark looking for space on the inside trying to play bully ball against dur in Canada can't but Aaliyah Boston able to play clean up with 1.9 left on the game clock and that will do it for the first half from the field knocking down the lone three in the second quarter well in Atlanta did a lot of things right I mean they shot 50% from Three 6 for 12 they got to the free throw line more than Indiana did they had 10 free throw attempts so they just got to find that Rhythm to tap point from VJ on the offensive end with more passing and more teamwork and and to your point getting to the free throw line Jordan Canada being the main corporate in that shooting four for six from the charity strike so Indiana will get it back 18 on the shot clock as we get things going in the second half the dish pass deflected but Indiana Still Remains with the ball going Canada still with the assignment for Clark Mitchell can she keep the hot hand and there's your answer that's such tough action to guard because you do have to collapse a little bit defensively when Clark is driving but I wouldn't help that much I think Atlanta overh helped and you got to get out to Mitchell cuz she's been the the problem this is the biggest lead for Indiana their previous game in this building they were up as many as 19 points as Atlanta's playing without a few of their key pieces Ariel power still out TR to work her way back from the calf injury and Cheyenne Parker tias who started for Atlanta again Indiana on the bench as well and Alisha gray just can't connect on these layups and we've seen a couple easy ones for Atlanta just not go in around the cup this is the The Possession that I talked about right here Clark is coming off a ball screen action you see Alicia gray helps a little bit there a little too much help you've got to get to a place where you can still recover to Kelsey Mitchell because she is so deadly and that three-point shot is high on the ark so Lexi hle fouls here but going back to your point is someone I I love just the aspect of defense and how a guard helps and Tabitha was telling us earlier in one of those hudle reports learning when and where to dig that was for Ayah Boston but that can apply to a guard as well the early help in getting back in the passing line well if you're already on the move if you're on the move to your help as the ball is being dribble you're too late Clark needs to see bodies early and then you can recover out but it was just too late on that Gap defense Ryan Howard has struggled from the floor now one for nine [Music] defense the hesitation top of the key and the duo off the pick and roll and the screen action at the top of the key alah aiyah Boston and Caitlyn Clark the best in the league I mean just excellent read here by Clark she's so good at getting that pass right through the defense Tina Charles's job is to deter Caitlyn Clark from making that pass to Boston on the roll not able to do it she finds a little seam of space to get that pass through and Boston is compromising the defense going to the free throw line Tina Charles picks up her third foul there as Leah Boston has one more on the way and Indiana continued to build on that second quarter where they had a season high 30 [Music] points foot on the line long two for Charles popped up def Caitlyn mind you left the game due to an angle injury I guess she was able to get rid of the ball before coming back down to avoid the travel tin on the shot clock and a foul going the other way after an offensive foul it looks like against Melissa Smith which is also her third so Atlanta will get it back but they're looking for more of this flow that that tiisha was talking about in the first half and at the break with DJ and Tabatha well something we learned about Atlanta's offense in the first half before the Olympic break is they take a lot of contested shots they're actually ranked at the top of the league when it comes to when it came to at that point of the Season taking contested shots that means that they've got to work harder to get open looks for each other Lexi Hull comes up with the steill that's another player that has played very well in this season averaging her best numbers in her career and had back-to-back 20-point games for the first time team the Charles able to clean that one up so now at 15 trying to stop the bleeding for Atlanta as they're now down 15 and they got to play with some urgency even though Alicia great picks up a foul there I like it because it's aggressive Jordan Canada looking to go to the bucket she's got the speed advantage over Melissa Smith but kind of loses it on the Finish Tina Charles gets the rebound puts it up just the first foul for Alicia G she still is trying to stay connected against chelse Mitchell and Caitlyn Clark knocks down her third triple just needs one more to tie Ryan Howard's rookie thre that she [Applause] [Music] made short shot clock for Atlanta Ryan Howard trying to make something happen dishes it to Charles going against Clark and gets the n one Tina does a great job of reading the defense she knows on her really good screen first that actually loses Kelsey Mitchell gets down there and just uses her body and physicality down low against kitlin Clark how about the physical play against even Ryan Howard really in her space in the delivery to Tina Charles yeah they've done a nice job I mean even Lexi Hull on Alicia gray like Indiana has impressed me what they've done defensively in this game let me he you defense [Music] defense J Canada tries to steal the cookie out of the jar and just knocks it out of bounds 13 on the shot clock for Indiana Jordan can with the seven points four of them coming from the free throw line but a player that can get things done on both sides of the ball H stepped on the line so that would be the eighth turnover for Indiana and something that Tabitha mentioned uh coming out of the half and talking to VJ is when Atlanta can score they can get back and as we' talked about making sure you want to limit Indiana's fast break opportunities you score the bucket makes it harder they they're still going to run from out of bounds but it makes it more difficult to to create that pace on offense yeah the best assist maker and Caitlyn CLK sitting it up the floor as Tina Charles again get things going and these plays right here that you were mentioning Atlanta back in So Atlanta gets us still in a weird collision by Hall and Ryan Howard she helped off the floor but that's a good decision by Ryan Howard because Lexi hle was not in position but look at Tina Charles battling it out there's a hand in the face by Leah Boston doesn't matter we used to call that like a playground jumper you know like some of the old school guys just had that little over the head shot you know my dad used to shoot like that elbow up I can see that it's you can get that off every time yep can't touch it Mitchell showed the three pulled up for the Baseline jumper and a foul will go against the fever and Alissa Smith may have her four Melissa Smith so it will be against Melissa Smith for her four and the next foul against Indiana they put Atlanta at the foot goow line in the bonus and that means you want to attack I mean if you're the Atlanta Dream and you know that you're going to be in the bonus you start to drive you start to create more contact and and try to get to the free throw line and look at the physical play with Boston and Charles on the inside Tina Charles already with 20 points great in and out and it's been a struggle for Atlanta you mentioned how well they shot from outside in the first half trying to carry that over poked away and ins Side official will say it's actually a foul on Canada be her second let's see it look like maybe the left arm let's see the other angle here yeah she she got the left arm with Caitlyn Park so Caitlyn Park number one overall draft NCA leader for point to the free throw line set averaging 17 points in the last four as she knocks down the second so as Atlanta tries to shing some points in it's Indiana finding ways to counter gray going at Hall stopped found some room and again off to the rim it's just not going down Gray's gotten some good looks that she could normally put in NE copy back in a line of her link fagman l is a record 1768 fans in the building who were told that they were selling tickets for standing room only as well to see the youth to see the different teams in the building I think it was really cool to hear what taba and Ryan were talking about as well this as far as bringing them back but also seeing how impressive this has been to see the fan show up for women's basketball it's great and Atlanta is the only WNBA team in the Southeast right now there used to be the Charlotte sting there was the Miami Soul so when anyone in this part of the country wants to see WNBA the Atlanta Dream is the team and I know Ryan mentioned the smaller facility at Gateway maybe does it give everyone an opportunity as many of those games have sold out so now you had a bigger crowd that's here to take in women's basketball Leah Boston rebounding her own oh [Music] and gray took a major blow to the face in a lot of [Music] [Applause] pain being R for a possible upgrade yeah she made contact with her face with her neck it's hard to tell man that is that is tough to see in obvious pain in Ryan Howard one of the last to leave that huddle around Alicia gray if she's one of her they don't have to lose the lik of an Alicia gray and steps up to the free throw line able to shoot you can see aiyah Boston having a conversation with the officials as she should and it's a difficult call again she did not mean to to hurt Alicia she was doing what you are taught is to to make that move but again the triggers that I named you know the the the velocity of the if that's the right word I don't know I'm not you know my science is that right veloc you know the movement how how quickly and swiftly That Elbow moves where it makes contact I mean all that matters able to knock down the go they will get the ball back as well as Maya calwell will check in for gray with that she knocks it down you wonder if she will be looked at further but needed to shoot those in order to come back in the game yeah it's just good to see her up and walk around unattended but she looks like she will take a trip to the locker room as she's headed to the tunnel [Applause] [Music] now Ryan Howard stoping pop gets it more of that from Ryan Howard getting him to the middle of the floor using that size and this game is still very much in reach it hasn't felt great for Atlanta offensively but Indiana has not pulled away just a 12-point game the biggest lead for them was 18 Boston back B lay off the mark [Applause] there Ry Howard with just a five points in this ball game had the one three in the first half and Off the Mark there Lexi Hull is a very good Defender it's hard to lose her as a Defender athletes unlimited as Kelsey Mitchell has yet another 20 point game make it for consecutive you just can't leave her not only that but you got to find her locate her get into her space so the extra pass and Ne coffee alar Atlanta in this third quarter you mention the silver linings for them they forced six turnovers for Indiana but haven't been able to convert on the other end High screen on Jordan Canada the stop by Leah Boston and Canada able to track it [Music] down Caldwell another quick three [Applause] and Hull with the displacement and wondering why the foul was called against ear a pretty obvious call Hall third so that will be the third foul for Lexi [Applause] Hall and I'm not sure why the teams are gathering at half court ryanard so Ryan Howard will pick up the technical foul she was not happy with the call the lay call on Lexi Hall and and let the officials know about it so Caitlyn Clark knocks down the free throw but Atlanta should be getting it back so now with Atlanta in the bonus Ryan Harold can step up to the free throw line and as we've mentioned for Shooters before this has not been the night for Ryan Howard as she's just two for2 getting that Rhythm at the free throw line and that might be the first technical foul I've ever seeing Ryan Howard called for really yeah I think so can you remember one I remember a [Laughter] [Applause] couple I mean her career high here I think she had a couple of words for Kurt Miller too oh Kaitlyn Clark I like the way that Jordan Canada has been ding up Caitlyn Clark she is using her body being physical I like it Caitlyn Clark with 14 rebounds four assists Jordan Canada so an offensive foul going against back mlay and that is her first foul yeah using that right arm Leah Boston checks out Melissa Smith checks back in with the four fouls timl working her way back after missing most of the Season due to an injury callwell on the background screen and couldn't connect I like the play call you put the ball in Ryan Howard's hands let her run some point just give Indiana a different look offensively dear dtis knocked down yet another three she's perfect from outside she has three of them this is her season high in points 11 oh count B to Ryan Howard she needed that one to [Applause] go so Ryan Howard touch pass Smith who just checked in in and out as we're approaching the one minute [Applause] Mark a lot of body surrounding Ryan Howard making it difficult for her all tonight now Caldwell able to out hustle Caitlyn Clark res set to 14 Atlanta has 10 to work with you got to run something for exactly Tina Ryan oh wow that was on three Defenders Tina Charles with [Applause] [Music] 22 Maya cwell diving on the floor Atlanta has no numbers three onone Canada foot race gets the bucket over Caitlyn Clark and they'll count the bucket the Atlanta Dream can cut this game to single digits headed in the fourth quarter people and it started with the defense by Maya Caldwell the fumble by Kelsey Mitchell and who is out in running it's impossible to catch Jordan Canada with a full head of steam and Caitlyn Clark fer getting to the rack so for our free free throw leader of the game is sponsored by fre of last Bill Bonds the name fames trust when time gets tough you can see Ryan Howard 79% Jordan Canada at the free throw line makes it a single digit game after being down as many as 18 we got ourselves a ball game Latina with Atlanta surging in this third quarter behind the back Clark that's pretty that was a beautiful move she caught Mya Carwell slipping yep there is no doubt anywhere that Caitlyn Clark she has the crowd behind her don't reach sixti on the game clock Caldwell three nothing there niak Coffey gets the rebound but not enough time for the putback it'll be waved off and Atlanta has it doubling you right so don't try and shoot over three people and as soon as she said that I said well she's been making those shots but all in all just say t nishai wants her team to take the right shots at the right time of the shot clock guys yes just to go listen Tina with three people on her has been a high percentage shot tonight for some others maybe not you know 22 points 10 for 15 from the field Nelissa Smith going at Tina and able to get a hand on it here comes Atlanta Atlanta has to make their physicality felt on the defensive end this is about defense how about Lexi Hall and Ryan Howard yeah Lexi Hall has done an incredible job defensively tonight she is getting into whoever her assignment is no space to breathe just great effort good footwork all the above her career high 22 points versus Seattle but finding things on the defensive end Haley Jones in the ball game for Atlanta Nea coffee working Baseline gets two in the air and the bank great take by coffee strong finish on the left side and a didn't rushed dtis top of the key in her first Miss outside [Applause] here's the matchup she wanted the foul thought the contact was there nothing there and Tina Charles with hands up in this hoay trying to figure out why the contact wasn't there yeah DZ is definitely bodying up on Charles and that is why Christy sides had her in the game one because she brings something different defensively in the post but also her three-point shooting yes I mean than about Melissa Smith for example or tyy F bleay not shooting the three that easily or that comfortably I don't know if that's comfortable but it's nice by Caitlyn Clark outside it looks pretty cozy to me angel all I heard was Beyonce running in my head at that point and with that three over Ryan Howard ties the WNBA rookie record that Ryan Howard set and Cy mitel gives him backto back frees and no doubt Jones with the n one and that's what you want to see coming out of that timeout this is a big momentum play I mean Atlanta is having to reach deep for contributions at this point of the game little screen there she's able to lose Clark who doesn't recover officials call contact and also Angel keeping in mind Atlanta has had to tweak their contributions off of the bench without Cheyenne Parker tus without aerial powers and you think about how big of a role those two players would be playing in a game like this so everyone is having to step up Billy Jones trying to do that in her minutes a lotted as team of Charles able to track down the rebound can they continue to cut not only cut into this but show spurts on the defensive end as well quick movement Ryan connects that's it great offense [Music] [Applause] me up Indiana has won two of their last three games he back to back road games Atlanta five-game home stand trying to close out 4 and one a lot of contact tossed up here comes Atlanta try to get a piece of the paint again and get a kick out Ryan Howard at the committee couldn't get the rebound Tina Charles has her back and a timeout for Indiana as once again Atlanta Charles with her season High [Music] four Kelsey Mitchell deflected and as that goes out of bounds we'll send it to tab well guys I just got word that Alicia gr for Atlanta is out for tonight's game now she is on the bench with her team but she was wearing a zipper puty and wearing her flip-flops on the bench so I don't think we'll see her anymore tonight guys thanks for the update tab another big low for Atlanta as they're trying to Clow this game a very important game if you think about the second half of the Season just a half game behind Chicago who took the loss to the [Applause] aces that was a big loss for the dream to not have Alicia gray but that means that Maya Caldwell Nia coffee who just got a great block down low everybody's got to do more in the absence of Alicia gray two on the shot clock tied up between Ryan Howard and Alissa Smith and there's plenty of time left in this gamea making a push same class one and two going at it and Ryan Howard gets it again [Music] Nia coffee at The Rim ah if you're Nia you just want that one back got to finish the easy ones but gets the rebound on the other side Atlanta has another [Applause] opportunity Tina working gets it clear bucket it TS every part of the ram Laina it was a risky pass and the gamble by Nelissa Smith What A Catch by Charles five-point game Tina Charles adding on to this new season High 20 24 now wow what a box out Tina Charles at this point is saying hey you want me to bring it up the floor I can but we will soon find out Ryan Howard gets fouled by Hall and that looks like that will be her four h so that's three players for Indiana with four Clark Boston and Hulk I mean this was a risky pass by coffee an excellent catch by Tina Charles Melissa Smith went for the steal there and Charles has been so clutched tonight 12 for 18 from the [Applause] field I don't mind that shot by niof she's got to take it this is a player that was brought in from the Sparks a few seasons ago because of outside shooting has struggled this season but has the green light H sends it to Kelsey going against Maya cwell pulls up in and out Coffey with the rebound it feels like we're approaching the 302 Mark in the fourth quarter but we're not halfway 5 minutes in the fourth in Atlanta down five was down by as many as 18 points and trying to get some get back when their last performance being down as big as 19 to Indiana before the break and that will not count one more pass by Caldwell she had Nia coffee waiting in the corner I don't think she had clock awareness [Applause] there they got to get another [Applause] [Music] stop Atlanta has outscored Indiana 21 to8 in this spring after being outscored both quarters 22 and 30 Indiana had 30 in the second quarter their season High Clark that dlay misses it jisa Wright out of the coach's box saying I need a timeout I don't I would let that foul roll first because Lexi Hull it might have been her fifth time out so a timeout is called can they get a bucket here down five Jordan Canada back in the game Ryan Howard gets [Applause] it Atlanta outscoring Indiana 36- 24 in the second half and they've held Indiana scoreless for the last eight possessions Boston hand off with Mitchell short again Atlanta can tie here or go ahead with the [Applause] three patience for Atlanta and the touch youth in the vet that was a tough shot that would that would have been a tough make and that was an even tougher look up the court back vlight couldn't finish at The Rim wow Indiana has just not been able to put the ball in the basket but does here as Lexi Hall gets the and one Jordan Canada picks up her third foul what a sequence of events in this offense Tina is capable of hitting that shot I felt like it was a little deeper on the Baseline with the contest and this is just a really good cut by Lexi Hall good catch so get to the charity strike those are just possessions you have on the Highlight fi like you have to get the rebound and consecutive and runs for Indiana but to your point when you don't get that rebound you set yourself up to not be in position and that is quite the take by Kelsey Mitchell as Atlanta was not in position to take a charge whatsoever Kelsey Mitchell my goodness 26 points just too shy of her season high four straight 20po games and adding to it when you have two of the top three scores from NCAA women's basketball history that says a lot about the the potent offense you have on your roster Atlanta trying to respond T Char said listen I'm getting a bucket and why not 28 points she's already surpassed her season High boy look at Jordan Canada she is unafraid defensively Kelsey pulls up long two Ryan Howard tried to fight for that one it's a foot race Tina Charles going at Kelsey Mitchell and decides to pull it out approaching the two-minute Mark Kelsey Mitchell gets it back finds space for the three ball Jordan Canada finally brings that possession for Indiana to a close Atlanta needs a good possession here absolutely Ryan Howard she needs to shoot the ball once they get a good look and a dump ball after the mishandle on the wing for Jordan Canada 11 on the shot clock less than two minutes left in this ball game and I wasn't suggesting that Ryan forced the shot up but that they run a set for her no Alisha gray on the floor right Tina Charles has been in the flow and Ryan Howard has started to heat up after Ryan Howard only had three points in the first half she is now sitting with 15 seven rebounds jump ball throw the hole and Indiana gets it [Applause] back a little bit of two-man game between Boston and Clark so many screams for Caitlin Clark that Jordan Canada has to navigate over the top against Tina Mitchell Corner three in and out that's back toback three she's Miss and another great box out by Atlanta they haven't all been clean but that one very timely at Atlanta calls the timeout they have now that Atlanta though trying to work their way back into this game Atlanta on a 15 of five run since Indiana Leed and a scale at the top of the key and unfortunate after the [Applause] break Atlanta needs a stop [Applause] just an unfortunate turnover out of that timeout Jordan Canada trying to get the ball to Ryan Howard that's where you want to get in that situation Lexi Hall has been lurking all night and that's what everyone knows that she is capable of doing her length her physical frame and aspect of really getting into even ranh how and making it difficult for her all night so now Leah Boston at the free throw line this is just her second trip to the free throw line short on that one Leah Boston shooting less than 70% right at 69 on the season as NE coffee checks in oh Leah Boston with 13 and 11 knocks that one down for 14 and 11 now and has her 11th double [Applause] double 60 seconds left in this one kick out NE Coffee corner three gets it to go a much needed bucket for Atlanta and coffee plenty of time you just got to get back and D up here it's a one possessing game trust your defense Atlanta down three can they get the stop cussy Mitchell steps behind the three in and out again Tina fighting for it Nia coffee gets it Ryan Howard able to Corral it in the last timeout called for [Music] Atlanta reset backto back games for Atlanta where they have had to find at the wire some answers boy excellent unselfish passing Caldwell gets it to Nia coffee and she's had some big everybody ready every this place is loud new record 17,600 in the building everyone is on their feet right [Applause] now go and despite the name that he attached to the numbers in this building you hear roaring let's go dream Atlanta getting it in the back court and Jordan Canada will take some time he said Ryan Howard needs to touch so we'll see if she can get it gets the double screen a lot of bodies around her Nia coffee top of the key another one just off Mike calwell sends it back out Tina oh coell again got time n seconds it tosses it away to Indiana and they call the timeout Ryan Howard didn't get a look that entire [Applause] series I thought Atlanta had an opportunity to pull the ball out but I'm not sure they knew how much time was on the clock when Tina took that three I mean that's a good looking shot but right here I think they had an opportunity for a reset because Aaliyah Boston was closing out with a good high hand and this is just a tough I mean Nia coffee had that possession and this is a big stop for Atlanta ni coffee Maya Carell Jordan Canada Ryan Howard and Nas hman on the floor for Atlanta no Alisa gray due to injury Cheyenne Parker tus on the benches well with aiel powers and a foul for Kelsey Mitchell who was shot over 80% sent her entire career from the free throw line IND Kel Mitchell will get [Music] here they need her to miss both and just like you the night she has found ways to be the answer for Indiana makes it a two possession game with 5 seconds left in this ball [Applause] [Music] game connects on both barely saw the net move as Kelsey Mitchell with 29 Points perfect from the free throw line 6 for six she has stepped up in every way tonight Angel and Indiana has needed a moment a bucket some momentum Kelsey Mitchell has been [Applause] Sensational Nia gets it finally Ryan Howard outside short Maya Caldwell tried to respond but that will do it as Indiana comes back to Atlanta