Support Pours in for Indiana Fever Player on Temporary Leave
Damiris Dantas recently got her contract suspended by the Indiana Fever. This is amid the 6-foot-4 center-forward's decision to leave Indiana to represent Brazil in the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Santiago, Chile.
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Dantas has been making waves during her time with the national team, helping lead Brazil to a 5-0 record thus far. On Friday, the 32-year-old veteran turned in another strong performance to lift Brazil to a dominant 84-61 victory in the quarterfinals against Mexico.
She scored a team-high 24 points on 10-of-23 shooting, to go along with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two triples in 34 minutes of action.
In five games played thus far, the Fever center-forward has averaged a tournament-best 19.8 points on 48.7% from the floor, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists, while also knocking down 2.0 triples per contest.
Her strong play throughout the tournament has led to Fever fans coming together to support Dantas in her bid for the AmeriCup Most Valuable Player title.
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"Fever fans!!! VOTE DD!!!! Let's win another fan vote!!!!!!" a comment on X read, responding to FIBA AmeriCup's prompt to vote for the tournament MVP.
"Guys DD can use our votes. 🙏🤗💪" said another.
"Vote for DD to win Americup MVP," a user posted.
Damiris Dantas of the Indiana Fever shoots the ball during a game. Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"Vote Damaris Dantas for MVP," requested a fan.
"Vote for Fever girl DD!" another said.
"Vote for Damiris Dantas CCFC and FeverFC🙌" a supporter wrote.
Thanks in large part to Dantas' strong play, Brazil is now headed to the semifinal, where they will face rivals Argentina on Saturday. If they win, Brazil will battle either Canada or the United States in the final on Sunday to determine the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup champions.
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Related: Fever Player on Temporary Leave Draws 'Problem' Statement From FIBA AmeriCup
Related: Caitlin Clark Praises Fever Coach Stephanie White Ahead of Possible Punishment
Related: Caitlin Clark Gets Official All-Star Game News on Thursday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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