The Indiana Fever was ready to welcome its playoff opponent to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena after 2016. The arena held its first playoff game since changing its name, and fans were all in. NBA superstar Tyrese Haliburton even pumped up the crowd during the game, eventually leading the side to a 17-point win. But forward Naz Hillmon didn’t feel pressure from the crowd.
During the post-game interview, HC Karl Smesko mentioned that teams will be going through such an atmosphere during the playoffs and the forward continued that it was not the home crowd effect that cost them the game.
Naz Hillmon Denies Home Court Advantage For Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever finally pulled one back to level the first-round series against the third-seed Atlanta Dream and forced an elimination game. The hosts controlled the game right from the start and recorded a commanding win.
The loud crowd cheered every basket and defensive play that helped the Fever record a stunning win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena. In the post-game interview, though, the Dream HC Karl Smesko denied the role of the home crowd.
“They packed the house, and they were really loud. It gives them a homecourt advantage, but I mean, that’s going to be, wherever we go. It’s the playoffs. It’s going to be packed, it’s going to be loud. We got to play through anything that happens in the game. We’ve been great on the road all season; today was just kind of an off day,” Smesko said.
Forward Naz Hillmon also highlighted that the team didn’t play well and will look for adjustments to seal the series.
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“Like coach said, like I’m not just gonna say that Indy didn’t do anything to make us play poorly. But I think we’re going to be able to make some adjustments, and it’s nice when those 3s likely do fall and we’re getting a lot of cheers from our home crowd,” Hillmon said.
The Gateway Center will host game three between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream on September 18.
Naz Hillmon Already Thinking About Elimination Game
Ahead of the series against the Indiana Fever, the AP Sixth Player of the Year winner highlighted that the defense will play a major role in deciding the winner. Despite the absence of key players, the 25-year-old forward mentioned that Stephanie white’s side is offensively strong and only strong defense will help the Dream side to clinch the series win.
She added that defense fuels their offense. For the elimination game, she already expressed a desire to see the home crowd provide them encouragement in the game. Kelsey Mitchell talked about strategic confidence for the Indiana Fever while preparing for Game 2, and the Atlanta Dream forward is also looking for the similar impact in the elimination game. The Atlanta Dream lost in the first round for the last two seasons and will look to overcome the hurdle at home.