Indianapolis, IND – The Indiana Fever delivered a dominant performance against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, July 3, 2025, securing an emphatic 81-54 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This win was particularly significant for the Fever as it marked their first triumph over the Aces since August 27, 2019, snapping a prolonged 16-game losing streak against the reigning champions. The Fever never trailed in the contest, at one point holding a commanding 27-point lead.
Despite playing without their star rookie Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined for her fourth consecutive game due to a strained left groin, the Fever showcased exceptional team defense and a balanced offensive attack. They held the high-powered Aces to a season-low 54 points and a dismal 26% shooting from the field, marking the lowest shooting percentage by a Fever opponent in 15 years. Las Vegas also struggled with turnovers, committing 17 throughout the game, which the Fever capitalized on.
Offensively, Kelsey Mitchell led the charge for Indiana with an impressive 25 points, while Aliyah Boston contributed a strong effort with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Natasha Howard, fresh off her Commissioner’s Cup MVP performance, also delivered a solid outing with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Fever’s efficiency was evident in their 49% overall shooting from the field, including a remarkable second quarter where they missed only two shots. Their ball movement was crisp, tallying 13 assists on 18 first-half baskets, and they dominated in the paint with a 28-10 advantage by halftime.
For the Las Vegas Aces, A’ja Wilson was a lone bright spot, pouring in 29 points on 9-of-18 shooting and going 11-for-13 from the free-throw line. However, the rest of the Aces’ roster struggled immensely, combining for just 7-of-43 (16%) from the field, with no other player scoring more than six points. Despite a more aggressive start to the second half, where they cut the lead to 13 points, the Aces couldn’t sustain their momentum against the Fever’s relentless defense and consistent scoring.
This decisive victory not only improved the Fever’s season record to 9-8 but also underscored their resilience and growth, particularly in Clark’s absence. Coming off a Commissioner’s Cup win against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, the Fever demonstrated their capability to compete at a high level through collective effort and stifling defense. The game was a clear statement from Indiana, signaling their emergence as a formidable force in the league.
