**“Jordin Canada’s 26-Point First Half Not Enough as Aliyah Boston Powers Indiana Fever to 99-82 Comeback Win Over Atlanta Dream”**

Jordin Canada came out like a storm, blazing through the Indiana Fever’s defense with an electric first-half performance that saw her rack up 26 points by the halftime buzzer. Her agility, vision, and relentless pace overwhelmed Indiana early, helping the Atlanta Dream build a commanding lead that, at one point, looked insurmountable. Canada was unguardable in transition, slipping past defenders, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, and slicing into the lane for fearless finishes. With every possession, she dictated tempo, applying pressure on Indiana’s backcourt and consistently making the right reads. Atlanta fed off her energy, extending their lead with a fluid offense and disciplined defense that had the Fever searching for answers.

Yet, as explosive as Canada’s first half was, it proved to be only one chapter in a game that would swing dramatically in the second half. After trailing for most of the night, the Indiana Fever regrouped in the locker room and came out with a renewed focus and a much-needed spark—provided by none other than their rising star, Aliyah Boston. The former No. 1 overall pick reminded everyone exactly why she’s considered the cornerstone of the Fever’s future. Her dominance in the paint, rebounding prowess, and defensive tenacity flipped the narrative entirely. Boston took over the second half with a mix of finesse and physicality that overwhelmed Atlanta’s interior defense. Every time Indiana needed a bucket, she delivered—hook shots, putbacks, turnaround jumpers—and on the other end, she anchored the defense, closing driving lanes and altering shots.

The Fever’s coaching staff made critical adjustments at halftime, particularly in how they defended Canada. While no one can completely bottle up a player in that kind of rhythm, Indiana’s guards began forcing her into tougher shots, trapping her on pick-and-rolls, and cutting off her driving angles. The Dream’s offense, once a well-oiled machine, began to stall. Canada cooled off, scoring only a handful of points after the break, while her teammates struggled to find consistency. Meanwhile, Indiana ramped up their own offensive rhythm, moving the ball crisply and playing with an urgency that had been lacking in the first two quarters. Guards like Kelsey Mitchell and Erica Wheeler chipped in valuable minutes, spacing the floor and keeping Atlanta’s defense honest. But everything flowed through Boston, whose 27 points and double-digit rebounds formed the foundation of Indiana’s 99-82 comeback win.

The Fever’s win wasn’t just about scoring—it was about composure. After being rocked early, they didn’t panic. They stayed patient, trusted the system, and let their star lead them. It was also a testament to the depth of their roster. NaLyssa Smith provided crucial support on the glass, and Kristy Wallace played inspired defense that helped keep Atlanta from regaining momentum late in the game. Indiana’s bench provided energy and hustle that wore down the Dream over the final stretch. What had been a double-digit Atlanta lead melted away under the constant pressure of Indiana’s two-way execution. By the time the final whistle blew, the Fever had outscored the Dream 59-30 in the second half, completely flipping the game on its head.

On the Atlanta side, the loss was frustrating, particularly considering how well they played in the first half. Canada’s performance was worthy of celebration—she showcased the full range of her offensive arsenal and had the crowd buzzing with every drive and jumper. But the Dream couldn’t sustain the same level of intensity and precision after halftime. Indiana’s adjustments made them uncomfortable, and instead of responding with poise, Atlanta fell into disjointed possessions and defensive breakdowns. Rhyne Howard had some good moments, but they weren’t enough to offset the growing momentum Indiana built throughout the third and fourth quarters. The Dream’s lack of interior resistance became increasingly glaring as Boston imposed her will in the paint.

The game served as a microcosm of the highs and lows that define a WNBA season. For Atlanta, it was a harsh reminder that great starts don’t guarantee great finishes. For Indiana, it was a validation of their growth—a win built not just on talent, but on grit, strategy, and team-wide trust. The comeback also showcased Aliyah Boston’s evolution as a leader. No longer just a promising young player, she’s now someone her team looks to in moments of adversity. Her presence alone commands attention, but it’s her poise under pressure that truly elevates the Fever. As she stood at the free-throw line in the final minutes, calmly knocking down clutch shots to seal the win, it was clear she had taken full ownership of the game and of her team’s direction.

While Canada’s first half will be remembered as one of the most explosive stretches of the WNBA season, it was Boston’s complete game and Indiana’s resilience that told the story of the night. The energy shift in the arena was palpable. What started as a Dream highlight reel ended in Fever fireworks. Fans who had expected a wire-to-wire Atlanta win were instead treated to a showcase of the WNBA’s unpredictability and the beauty of momentum shifts in high-level basketball. The Fever’s 99-82 win will go down not just as a comeback, but as a defining moment in their season—a moment when they learned how to take a punch and punch back harder.

For Canada, this game remains a reminder of how quickly the game can turn. Her first half was a masterpiece, but the inability to keep the engine running against a surging opponent highlighted the need for help and more balanced contributions across the roster. Atlanta’s coaching staff will likely revisit how they allowed their offense to become so reliant on one player and how their defense unraveled under pressure. It’s a loss that stings but also one that can teach. For all the talent on this Dream squad, consistency and composure remain elusive goals.

In contrast, Indiana leaves this game with a growing belief that they can compete with anyone when they play to their potential. Boston’s heroics may headline the story, but this was a team win. It was built on accountability, effort, and trust—a blueprint for how the Fever can build sustainable success in the weeks ahead. The WNBA season is long, and while one win or loss doesn’t define a campaign, moments like this build identity. Indiana now carries with them the knowledge that even when the scoreboard looks grim, they have the pieces—and the poise—to turn it all around.

As for fans of the league, this game offered everything—brilliance, momentum swings, and individual performances that dazzled in different ways. It was a reminder of the elite talent spread across the WNBA, from Canada’s first-half explosion to Boston’s full-game domination. In a league that continues to grow in visibility and popularity, games like this are the heartbeat, offering drama, intensity, and proof that the WNBA is as competitive and captivating as ever. When the playoffs roll around, don’t be surprised if both of these teams have something to say—and if this game becomes a reference point for how their respective seasons took shape.