Dream vs Fever final score: Atlanta's late comeback falls short in 94-85 loss

The Atlanta Dream got off to a slow start and suffered their first loss of the season falling 94-85 to the Indiana Fever.

The game started off well enough for the Dream who jumped out to a 10-3 lead just three minutes into the game. Indiana quickly whittled that away as turnovers once again became a big problem for Atlanta. The Dream finished the game with 22 turnovers with 16 coming in the first half. Atlanta trailed 52-37 at the break despite shooting 52 percent from the field in the first half.

Both teams found a rhythm in the third with Tiffany Hayes doing her best to keep Atlanta within striking distance. Hayes scored 12 of her 19 points in the third but the Dream still trailed 78-64 at the end of the third.

Atlanta would finally make a run in the fourth cutting the Indiana lead down to just 86-81 with three minutes remaining. The Dream had a chance to get the lead down to just three but Hayes missed a pair of free throws with 1:44 remaining. Shenise Johnson pushed the lead back to seven on the next possession and Atlanta wouldn't get any closer.

The Dream shot 48 percent for the game but totaled just nine assists in the game. Layshia Clarendon moved into the starting lineup and equaled Hayes with a team best 19 points. However, the duo combined for 10 turnovers and two assists. Angel McCoughtry finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four turnovers but was on the bench late after fouling out with 3:50 remaining in the fourth.

The Fever shot 49 percent for the game and turned the ball over 17 times but offset that with more efficient scoring and 19 assists. Indiana equaled a franchise record with seven different players in double figures led by Tamika Catchings' 14.

The Dream will return to Philips Arena on Sunday for their home opener against the Chicago Sky.