SAEDNEWS: Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream tip off their first-round WNBA playoff series on Sunday, with All-Stars and intense history promising an unforgettable showdown.
The WNBA playoffs kick off this Sunday with the Indiana Fever visiting the Atlanta Dream for Game 1 of a best-of-three first-round series. Indiana, the sixth seed (24-20), will host Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, while Game 3, if necessary, will return to Atlanta.
Despite losing five players to season-ending injuries, the Fever secured a playoff spot for the second consecutive season. All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston were pivotal, playing all 44 regular-season games. Mitchell averaged an impressive 20.2 points per game and earned a spot on the Associated Press All-WNBA First Team. Boston contributed 15 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, anchoring both offense and defense.
Atlanta Dream, third seed (30-14), features three All-Stars, including guard Allisha Gray, who led the team with 18.4 points per game, forward Rhyne Howard, the 2022 Rookie of the Year averaging 17.5 points per game with nearly 10 three-point attempts per contest, and center Brionna Jones, who contributed 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per night.
The Fever and Dream split their four regular-season matchups, with the last game on July 11 ending 99-82 in Indiana’s favor. This postseason matchup marks their fourth playoff meeting; past series between 2011-2013 show a competitive rivalry with wins on both sides, including Indiana’s championship run in 2012 after defeating Atlanta in the first round.
Expect a fast-paced, high-intensity matchup. Indiana relies heavily on Mitchell’s scoring ability and Boston’s all-around presence, while Atlanta’s Gray and Howard will look to exploit the home-court advantage and perimeter shooting. The new 1-1-1 first-round playoff format ensures that Indiana gets a home playoff game for the first time since 2016, creating a critical opportunity to steal momentum.
Key matchups to watch:
Mitchell vs Gray: scoring duel and perimeter defense.
Boston vs Jones: battle in the paint for rebounds and shot blocks.
Indiana’s bench depth vs Atlanta’s rotation: critical for second-half energy.
Fans can watch Game 1 on ABC with Ryan Ruocco on play-by-play, Rebecca Lobo as analyst, and Holly Rowe on the sidelines. Radio coverage is available via 93.1 WIBC with John Nolan and Bria Goss providing commentary.
For the Fever, a strong start in Atlanta could set the tone for a historic playoff run despite injuries. For the Dream, protecting home court is essential to maintain their higher seeding and prove dominance. With both teams featuring top-tier talent and a layered rivalry history, fans can expect excitement, buzzer-beaters, and plenty of storylines worth following.
