In a game that will be etched into the memory of every Indiana Fever fan, the team completed an improbable comeback, defeating the Atlanta Dream 87-85 to clinch a spot in the WNBA semifinals. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a testament to grit, unwavering belief, and a team culture forged in the fire of adversity. Amidst the electrifying final moments, an unexpected detail emerged, one that now ties the team’s historic win to star rookie Caitlin Clark—a pair of unassuming black shoes that a teammate has playfully dubbed the team’s “lucky charm.”

The atmosphere in the arena was thick with tension as the final minute of the game ticked away. The Fever trailed by three points, their playoff dreams hanging by a thread. But in that moment of crisis, their true character shone through. Lexie Hull, with a decisive cut to the basket, scored two crucial points to narrow the gap. Then, with just seven seconds left on the clock, Odyssey Sims found Aaliyah Boston in the paint, who put up a shot that miraculously gave Indiana a one-point lead. The crowd erupted, but the game was far from over.

The Fever still needed one final defensive stop to secure the win. And once again, it was Lexie Hull who stepped into the spotlight. With a steal on a critical entry pass from Ryan Howard, she snatched the ball and extinguished the last flicker of hope for the Atlanta Dream. The final buzzer sounded, and a tidal wave of relief and pure joy washed over the Fever bench and their fans. It was a moment of sheer triumph, one the franchise had been waiting for for years.

In the euphoric aftermath of the game, as reporters crowded around, Lexie Hull couldn’t resist sharing a lighthearted secret, a superstition that has now become a central part of the team’s folklore. Hull jokingly credited the win to the “Black Air Force Ones” that Caitlin Clark wore to the game. With a wide grin, she declared, “They’re working,” fully embracing the notion that Clark’s sneakers had become a powerful symbol of good fortune. Hull’s playful comment quickly went viral, with fans and media alike speculating on whether the shoes would be a permanent part of Clark’s wardrobe. Hull herself even joked that Clark should “bring them in her bag and wear them every day”.

While the clutch plays from Boston and Hull sealed the deal, the victory wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar performance of Kelsey Mitchell, who led the team with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-16 shooting. On the other side, the Atlanta Dream’s trio of Jordan Canada, Ryan Howard, and Alishia Gray combined for 53 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the resilient Fever.

Beyond the individual heroics, this victory was a culmination of a season-long journey defined by resilience and belief. Hull spoke with deep pride about her team, noting that they “work so hard” and are “just so proud of our group staying with it”. “It’s just insane that we’re playing in the semifinals,” she said. “I think we believed it but there’s so many people out there that didn’t. And so we got another series.”

The Fever didn’t lead at all in the second half until that final, go-ahead basket. When asked what the team was saying to each other to stay composed, Hull stressed the playoff mindset: “you’re never out of it till the final buzzer”. This unwavering belief in their ability to fight to the very end was the core of their comeback.

Hull’s decisive steal in the final seconds wasn’t just luck; it was a product of meticulous preparation. She revealed that an assistant coach, AK, had “drew up a play he thought they’d run,” and it was “really close to what they ended up running”. With so little time on the clock, she knew they would try to get the ball to Free Jones. When she saw the ball bounce, she seized the opportunity, securing possession and allowing the team to run out the clock.

The celebration that followed was a chaotic mix of emotions. “Everyone’s just so pumped,” Hull said. “We work so hard to be put ourselves in that position.” The high stakes of a three-game series meant that “every game matters, every possession matters.” To have it come down to a “big last 10 seconds” and have it go their way was “so exciting” and left the team in a state of “a little bit of shock” mixed with “so much excitement, so much joy”.

For veterans like Kelsey Mitchell, the victory held even deeper significance. Mitchell, who has had “five coaches in eight years” and has been on some of the “worst… record teams here in Indiana Fever,” finally feels a sense of value under Coach Steph. “I go where I’m valued,” Mitchell stated. “And for the first time in my career, I really feel like I have someone that values what I bring to the table as a player and a person.” The trust and belief that Coach Steph has poured into her and the entire team has been a foundational element of their success.

Coach Steph herself received immense praise from the players. Lexie Hull noted that Steph “doesn’t get enough credit for what she’s been able to do with our group”. Despite coaching a roster with a revolving door of players, Steph has managed to produce a winning product. “So many people didn’t expect us to be here, but she’s leading the charge,” Hull said. “We believe in her, she believes in us.” Steph’s composed demeanor and deep experience have been crucial in keeping the team grounded through the ups and downs of a long season.

The team’s tight-knit bond was another key factor in their success. When asked about their camaraderie, a player simply stated, “everyone gets along, no drama”. This positive dynamic off the court “translates on the court as well”. Every single person, from the players on the court to those on the injured reserve, is a vital part of the team’s success. As one player put it, “If you’re not in the game, you need to be up cheering,” regardless of whether you’re “on a scooter” or on “crutches”. This collective energy and positivity have been the team’s driving force.

This victory was the culmination of a season where the Fever had been “punched and punched and punched,” but learned to “perform well with our backs against the wall”. Past come-from-behind victories, like overcoming a 20-point deficit against Connecticut, prepared them for this exact moment. They have become experts at absorbing a hit and delivering one back with even greater force.

With this win, the Indiana Fever not only advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2015, but they also established themselves as a formidable contender. They proved that with relentless spirit, belief in each other, and a little help from some “lucky” shoes, anything is possible. The Fever’s journey continues, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what new chapters this resilient team will write in the semifinals.