The Las Vegas Aces are moving on in the WNBA playoffs after defeating the Indiana Fever 94–83 in a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night, ending Indiana’s postseason run for the second consecutive year.
The defending champions received a dominant performance from A’ja Wilson, who scored 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Las Vegas closed out the first-round series 2–1. The Aces will now advance to the WNBA semifinals and await the winner of the Golden State Valkyries–Dallas Wings series.
A’ja Wilson Takes Control
Wilson was the central figure in the deciding game.
The four-time WNBA MVP shot 11-for-18 from the field, including 2-for-3 from three-point range, while also going 12-for-15 from the free-throw line. Her 36-point, 10-rebound performance helped Las Vegas withstand several Indiana runs and eventually pull away late.
Wilson had also opened the series with a spectacular 38-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 1, making her one of the defining players of the matchup from start to finish.
Chelsea Gray provided another major boost for Las Vegas, finishing with 23 points, five assists and four rebounds. Jackie Young added 18 points and eight rebounds, giving the Aces three reliable offensive options throughout the game.
Caitlin Clark and the Fever Fight Back
Indiana did not go quietly.
Caitlin Clark scored 18 points, including 11 in the opening quarter, but Las Vegas made adjustments that limited her production as the game progressed. Clark finished 6-for-18 from the field and 3-for-12 from three-point range.
Clark also contributed in other areas, including four blocks, but the Aces were able to make her shot attempts increasingly difficult during the later stages of the game.
Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 23 points, while Aliyah Boston recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Fever also received a strong contribution from Myisha Hines-Allen, who scored 12 points off the bench.
Aces Build a Lead, Fever Keep Pressure On
Las Vegas established control during the middle portion of the game.
The Aces led 54–48 at halftime and extended the advantage to 67–55 during the third quarter. Indiana, however, responded and repeatedly threatened to make the game a one-possession contest.
The Fever cut the deficit to two points twice in the fourth quarter, forcing Las Vegas to execute under pressure.
The Aces ultimately answered with timely scoring, particularly from Wilson and Gray, and regained enough separation to close out the game.
Physical Play Adds Drama
The deciding game was also marked by physical play and several tense moments.
Clark and Las Vegas forward Brianna Turner both received technical fouls early in the contest. Indiana coach Stephanie White was later assessed a technical while disputing a foul call involving Turner and Lexie Hull.
Another notable moment came late in the fourth quarter when Clark took an accidental elbow to the mouth from Jewell Loyd while the two players competed for a rebound.
Clark briefly left the court after the collision and returned after showing officials blood around her mouth. She remained in the game as the Aces finished the victory.
Stephanie Talbot Sits Out
Las Vegas entered the decisive game without Stephanie Talbot, who missed the contest because of a leg injury.
Talbot had started all but one game during the regular season and had averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds during the first two games of the series.
Jewell Loyd moved into the starting lineup and contributed 11 points, helping the Aces compensate for Talbot’s absence.
Second Straight Year the Aces Eliminate the Fever
The result marks the second consecutive season in which Las Vegas has ended Indiana’s playoff run.
The teams met in the semifinals the previous season, with the Aces eventually winning a five-game series that included an overtime finale. This year’s matchup ended sooner, with Las Vegas taking the best-of-three first-round series 2–1.
For Indiana, the loss closes a postseason that again placed Clark and the Fever in the national spotlight. For Las Vegas, the victory keeps the defending champions’ pursuit of another championship alive.
What Comes Next for Las Vegas?
The Aces now move into the WNBA semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Game 3 matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings.
Las Vegas enters the next round with Wilson, Gray and Young coming off strong performances in the series-clinching victory.
The Aces’ championship defense therefore continues, while the Fever turn their attention toward the next stage of building around Clark, Mitchell, Boston and the rest of their roster.
Final Takeaway
The 94–83 result was ultimately decided by Las Vegas’ ability to rely on its veteran stars when the game tightened.
A’ja Wilson’s 36 points and 10 rebounds set the tone, while Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young provided important secondary scoring. Indiana continued to challenge the Aces throughout the night, but the Fever could not sustain their offensive efficiency long enough to complete the comeback.
For the second straight year, the Aces move forward — and the Fever’s season ends in the first round.