There was no championship hangover for the Indiana Fever on Thursday, July 3.
Two days after winning 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup over the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, July 1, the Indiana Fever defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 81-54, in a wire-to-wire victory in Indianapolis on Thursday, holding the Aces to a season-low in points (54) and field-goal percentage (26.2%). The victory ended the Fever’s 16-game losing streak to the Aces and marked Indiana’s first win over Las Vegas since 2019.
‘There is a lot of resilience and perservances in our group,’ said Kelsey Mitchell, who finished with a team-high 25-points in the win. ‘For us, (the goal) was to make sure we defend the whole game and that is what I think you guys saw.’
The Fever forced the Aces in 19 turnovers, which ties Las Vegas’ season-high, and effectively eliminated every player not named A’ja Wilson. Wilson scored a game-high 29 points, but was the only Aces player to reach double-digits. Jackie Young finished with six points, while Chelsea Gray added two points.
The Fever improve to 5-4 without All-Star Caitlin Clark, who missed her fourth consecutive game due to a groin injury. Aliyah Boston added 20 points and seven rebounds, while Natasha Howard recorded another double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Here is a recap of the Indiana Fever vs. the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night:
Fever vs. Aces highlights
End of Q3: Fever 68, Aces 47
Indiana has stretched its lead over Las Vegas to 24 points heading into the fourth quarter. Kelsey Mitchell leads the team with 23 points and six assists, while Aliyah Boston added 14 points. Natasha Howard is already up to a double-double with 10 pints and 10 rebounds. The Fever are collectively shooting 52.0% from the field and 30.8% from three, while holding the Aces to 28.9% from the field and 25.0% from three.
A’ja Wilson is the only Aces player to reach double-digits with 29 points. The next highest scorer on the team is Jackie Young, who has six points (2-of-8 FG, 1-of-3 3PT). The Aces are in danger of setting a new season low. Las Vegas’ current season-low is 62 points scored in the Aces’ loss to the Minnesota Lynx on June 17.
Halftime: Fever 46, Aces 24
The Fever are heading to the locker room with a 22-point lead over the Aces, which marks the largest of the game and the Fever’s largest halftime lead of the season. Aliyah Boston leads the Fever with 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Kelsey Mitchell has 12 points and Natasha Howard has 10 points. The Fever are putting on a defensive clinic, holding the Aces to 25.8% from the field and forcing 10 turnovers.
A’ja Wilson has accounted for nearly all the Aces’ points. She has 17 of the Aces’ 24 points, shooting 6-of-13 from the field. The remainder of the team is 2-of-18 from the field and 2-of-7 from three.
End of Q1: Fever 21, Aces 14
The Fever came out the gate red-hot and quickly jumped to an seven-point lead in the first quarter, thanks to an efficient start from center Aliyah Boston, who is up to eight points and four rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell added seven points, while Natasha Howard has six points.
The Fever is collectively shooting 52.9% from the field, compared to the Aces shooting 28.6% from the field. Indiana is dominating Las Vegas in the paint (16-4), while the Aces have a slight edge in fast break points (4-0).
A’ja Wilson has 10 of the Aces’ 14 first-quarter points. Jackie Young has four points.
Is Caitlin Clark playing today?
What time is Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever?
The Indiana Fever will host the Las Vegas Aces at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 3, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Fans can watch the game live on Prime Video.
How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever: TV, stream
Date: Thursday, July 3
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
TV: None
Live stream: Prime Video
The game will be available to view on demand on WNBA League Pass after it concludes.
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