Fever’s Playoff Push Tested: Dantas Enters Concussion Protocol Ahead of Dream Clash..
In the high-stakes world of WNBA playoffs, where every possession counts, the Indiana Fever entered their first-round series against the Atlanta Dream riding a wave of momentum from a breakout season. But just 24 hours before tip-off on September 14, 2025, at State Farm Arena, the team delivered a gut-wrenching update: veteran forward Damiris Dantas has been ruled out for Game 1 due to concussion protocol.
The 6-foot-4 Brazilian powerhouse, a key piece of Indiana’s frontcourt depth, suffered the injury during Thursday’s practice, joining an already depleted injury list that includes superstar Caitlin Clark (right groin) and several
Dantas, 32, has been a steady presence for the Fever since signing as a free agent in 2024. This season, she averaged 4.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 38 games in just 11.6 minutes per outing, often providing the gritty rebounding and floor-spacing that complements stars like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.<Her recent surge—draining three threes against the Washington Mystics on September 7 and adding 10 points with six boards off the bench versus the Minnesota Lynx on September 9—had her emerging as a playoff X-factor. Fans remember her clutch contributions earlier this year, like the three-pointer that sparked Indiana’s comeback in a May 22 road win over Atlanta, where she helped secure an 81-76 victory alongside Natasha Howard’s 26-point explosion.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Indiana’s injury report reads like a nightmare: Chloe Bibby (left knee), Sydney Colson (left knee), Sophie Cunningham (right knee), and Aari McDonald (right foot) are all sidelined, leaving coach Stephanie White to patchwork her rotation against Atlanta’s formidable frontcourt of Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon, and Brittney Griner.
White, speaking to media on September 12, emphasized the challenge of facing Atlanta’s physicality, noting, “Their size and length will test us everywhere.”Without Dantas’s defensive versatility, expect extended minutes for Brianna Turner and Aerial Powers, with Boston anchoring the paint.
This setback feels especially cruel amid whispers of a “birthday curse” plaguing the Fever—several players, including Dantas, have landed on the injury report around their special days. Yet, Indiana’s resilience shines through. After a rollercoaster regular season marked by Clark’s electric debut and the team’s first playoff berth since 2016, the Fever have defied odds before.
As fans flood social media with prayers——the hope is singular: Dantas recovers swiftly. The 2018 WNBA champion and Brazilian national team stalwart, who briefly stepped away earlier this year for international duty, embodies the toughness that could propel Indiana deep into October Game 1 looms as a battle of wills, but with Dantas cheering from the sidelines, her spirit might just be the Fever’s secret weapon. Get well soon, Damiris—Indiana needs you back stretching the floor and swatting shots
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