Aces vs Fever: Indiana Pulls Off Gritty Win Without Caitlin Clark
The WNBA season continues to heat up, and Thursday night’s Aces vs Fever clash at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis delivered a thrilling narrative. Despite missing their biggest star, Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever dug deep, rallied from behind, and stunned the Las Vegas Aces with a hard-earned 80-70 victory.
This victory not only broke Indiana’s two-game losing skid but also propelled them into sixth place in the standings, leapfrogging the Aces in the process. Even more impressively, the Fever now lead the season series 2-1 and have defeated Las Vegas in back-to-back games for the first time since 2015.
No Caitlin Clark, No Problem for Indiana
The buzz leading into the Aces vs Fever matchup was whether the shorthanded Fever could survive without rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who missed her third straight game due to a right groin injury. Fans and analysts were skeptical after all, Clark is the team’s offensive engine and one of the most dynamic players in the league.
But Indiana had other plans.
They didn’t just survive they thrived.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that the Fever were determined to show their depth and grit. The first half was tough, and Indiana trailed by six points at halftime. But a spirited second-half turnaround, fueled by a strong defensive effort and sharp three-point shooting, changed the trajectory of the game.
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Stephanie White’s Halftime Message Sparks Turnaround
At halftime, things weren’t looking good for Indiana. Las Vegas had taken control in the second quarter, and the Fever looked flat. That’s when head coach Stephanie White stepped in with a fiery message.
“Coach told us we were playing too soft,” said Natasha Howard, who recorded a monster double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. “That fired us up. We came out in the second half and locked in.”
And locked in they did.
The Fever outscored the Aces 45-29 in the second half. They clamped down defensively, forced difficult shots, and didn’t allow the Aces to find any rhythm from beyond the arc. On the offensive end, Indiana moved the ball with purpose, crashed the boards, and made big shots at key moments.
Kelsey Mitchell Leads the Charge
With Caitlin Clark on the bench, it was Kelsey Mitchell who stepped up and delivered a stellar performance. The veteran guard dropped a game-high 21 points, along with four assists, guiding the offense with confidence and poise.
Mitchell’s leadership on the floor was evident. She directed traffic, took smart shots, and was fearless in attacking the Aces’ defense.
Meanwhile, Aliyah Boston chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds, continuing her steady season and delivering when it mattered most. Sophie Cunningham and Aari McDonald also added double-digit points, showing how well-balanced this Fever team can be when everyone is contributing.
Aari McDonald’s Clutch Shot Seals the Deal
As the game neared its conclusion, the Aces made one last push.
With 1:33 remaining, Las Vegas had cut Indiana’s lead to just five points and looked poised for a late-game rally. But that’s when Aari McDonald stepped up and delivered a huge 3-pointer with just 34.2 seconds left on the clock, putting the Fever up by eight and effectively shutting the door.
The shot sent the crowd into a frenzy and proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the Aces.
Defensive Masterclass: Fever Lock Down Las Vegas
One of the most impressive parts of this Aces vs Fever showdown was Indiana’s defensive effort. The Fever held Las Vegas to just two made 3-pointers the entire game — a season low for the Aces, who are usually one of the league’s best perimeter shooting teams.
Las Vegas shot just 18.2% from beyond the arc (2-of-11), while the Fever went 9-of-20 (45%), making a huge difference in the final scoreline.
The Fever also dominated the rebounding battle and held Vegas to just 29 points in the second half. It was a textbook example of a second-half lockdown.
A’ja Wilson Shines, But Not Enough
For the Aces, A’ja Wilson did her part. The superstar forward finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and three steals, continuing her MVP-caliber season. Jackie Young added 19 points and three assists, and both players tried to rally their team late in the fourth.
But the Aces were clearly off their game, struggling to adjust to Indiana’s physicality and tempo. The absence of long-range production made their offense predictable, and Indiana took full advantage.
Indiana Fever’s Momentum Grows
This win was about more than just climbing the standings it was a statement.
The Fever proved that they’re not just a one-woman show. While Caitlin Clark undoubtedly brings excitement and game-changing talent, Indiana showed they have the depth, toughness, and leadership to win even without her on the court.
Players like Mitchell, Howard, Boston, and McDonald all rose to the occasion, showing that the Fever are playoff-worthy and capable of making a deep run if they continue to play team basketball.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
🔵 Indiana Fever:
With back-to-back wins against the defending champions, the Fever will look to build momentum as they eye playoff positioning. The return of Caitlin Clark will only add more firepower to an already confident group.
🔴 Las Vegas Aces:
After losing their edge in recent games, the Aces will need to regroup and reestablish their identity. Their shooting slump and defensive lapses are concerns, but with talents like Wilson and Young, it’s too early to count them out.
Final Take: Aces vs Fever Tells a New Story
The Aces vs Fever rivalry just got a lot more interesting. What many assumed would be a mismatch became a prime-time upset, with the Fever rising to the occasion and outclassing one of the league’s most respected squads.
This wasn’t just a win it was a turning point.
For Indiana, it was proof that they can thrive under pressure and deliver when it matters. For Las Vegas, it’s a wake-up call.
Expect fireworks in the next showdown between these two teams because after Thursday’s game, the Aces vs Fever matchup has officially become must-watch basketball.