Lexie Hull’s Defensive Masterclass Shuts Down the Atlanta Dream as Indiana Fever Punch Their Ticket to the WNBA Semifinals

The Indiana Fever have done it again. Behind suffocating defense, clutch execution, and a breakout performance from Lexie Hull, the Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream in a decisive elimination game to advance to the WNBA semifinals. For a franchise that has been building brick by brick around rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, this victory signaled not just progress, but legitimacy. The Fever are no longer just a feel-good story—they’re a contender.

Lexie Hull Steals the Spotlight

When the game tipped off, most eyes were on Caitlin Clark and Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, two young stars expected to trade blows in a high-scoring duel. But instead, the night belonged to Lexie Hull. Tasked with the toughest defensive assignments, Hull shut down the Dream’s perimeter attack, holding Howard to one of her lowest outputs of the postseason.

Hull finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals, but her impact was far greater than the box score. Time and again, she anticipated passing lanes, disrupted Atlanta’s spacing, and turned defense into offense. Her hustle plays ignited the crowd and gave the Fever momentum at critical junctures.

“Lexie was everywhere tonight,” Fever head coach Christie Sides said afterward. “Her energy set the tone. When she’s locked in defensively like that, we feed off her.”

Caitlin Clark’s Composure Under Pressure

While Hull made her mark on defense, Caitlin Clark delivered steady leadership on offense. The rookie phenom finished with 23 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, controlling the pace in the second half after a shaky start. Atlanta threw double teams at her all night, but Clark adjusted, using her vision to find open shooters and cutters.

“I trust my teammates,” Clark said postgame. “They were ready to hit shots, and Lexie especially just brought that toughness we needed. That’s what makes us dangerous—it’s not just one player.”

Clark’s composure under pressure silenced doubters who wondered if the Fever’s youth would buckle in a win-or-go-home scenario.

Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith Provide Balance

The Fever’s supporting cast also came alive. Kelsey Mitchell poured in 18 points, including two dagger threes late in the fourth quarter. NaLyssa Smith was a force in the paint, recording a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Their contributions ensured that Indiana didn’t rely solely on Clark’s shot-making.

Atlanta Runs Out of Answers

For the Dream, the loss was a bitter end to a season filled with promise. Rhyne Howard, frustrated by Hull’s relentless defense, finished with just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting. Cheyenne Parker added 17, but Atlanta struggled to generate consistent offense.

Head coach Tanisha Wright credited Indiana’s intensity. “They outworked us,” Wright admitted. “Their physicality on defense disrupted everything we tried to run. You have to tip your hat to them.”

Fever Making History

With the victory, Indiana advances to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2015. For a team that endured years of rebuilding, this moment represents both a breakthrough and a glimpse of what could be a new era of dominance.

The Fever’s blend of youthful talent, defensive grit, and unshakable belief has made them one of the most compelling stories in the league. And while Caitlin Clark remains the face of the franchise, players like Lexie Hull are proving that this team is far from a one-woman show.

“We’re not done,” Hull said with a grin. “We believe in each other, and we’re ready for whoever’s next.”

What’s Next

The Fever now turn their attention to the semifinals, where they’ll face a battle-tested powerhouse. The challenges will only get tougher, but if Lexie Hull’s defensive fire and Clark’s poised leadership are any indication, Indiana has the tools to shock the league once again.

For now, though, one thing is certain: the Indiana Fever are no longer just chasing relevance—they’re chasing history.