Fever stun Dream in Game 3 to advance in WNBA playoffs

And the Fever did it without superstar Caitlin Clark. It's hard not to think of what this team might have done with her healthy, or Sophie Cunningham or one of the many other players out of the season.

Yet, none of that matters now, because even with the WNBA's most exciting player watching from the sidelines, Indiana just keeps finding ways to win.

Kelsey Mitchell scored 24 points and hit a trio of three-pointers. Aliyah Boston had a double-double (14 points, 12 rebounds). She also scored the go-ahead bucket with 7.4 seconds left.

Indiana has more basketball to play this season, thanks to a defense that held the Dream scoreless for the final 2:32 of the game.

Defense wins championships, as they say. It definitely won the game for the Fever on Thursday night. Atlanta only went 6-for-23 from deep. Indiana forced 13 turnovers compared to just six for the Dream.

It was the definition of a gritty win. Heck, this might be the definition of a gritty team. The fact that Indiana made the playoffs was an accomplishment, considering all the Fever have endured. 

Being among the final four WNBA teams left is remarkable. Advancing further in the playoffs than the Fever did last season, with six players sidelined for the season isn't something many could have predicted.

That's why they play the games, and this run, however long it lasts, is a reminder of just how bright the future is in Indiana. Even if the planned future will have to wait a little longer.

The Fever will play the winner of the Las Vegas Aces-Seattle Storm series in the next round.