July 25, 2025 – The Indiana Fever delivered a stunning performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 80-70 on July 24, 2025, in a pivotal WNBA matchup that solidified their playoff contention. Despite trailing 43-35 in the third quarter, the Fever mounted a fierce comeback, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s game-high 21 points, with Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard each recording double-doubles. The victory secured a vital tiebreaker in the season standings, marking Indiana’s second win over the Aces in 2025 and ending a 16-game losing streak against them that dated back to 2019. Below is a detailed recap of the game, key performances, and its implications for both teams.
Game Recap
The Fever hosted the Aces on July 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET in Indianapolis, with the game broadcast on Prime Video and available on WNBA League Pass for on-demand viewing. Despite a sluggish start and 11 turnovers leading to 13 Aces points, Indiana turned the tide in the second half. The Fever’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc, going 11-for-23 from three-point range, proved decisive. Aliyah Boston contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Natasha Howard added 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell’s 21 points, including clutch shots in the fourth quarter, sealed the comeback.
The Aces, led by A’ja Wilson’s 20 points and 14 rebounds, struggled offensively outside of their star. No other Aces player reached double-digit scoring, with Jackie Young managing just six points on 2-of-8 shooting. Las Vegas shot a dismal 25.8% from the field and committed 19 turnovers, tying their season high. The Fever capitalized on their defensive pressure, outscoring the Aces 14-4 in the paint and holding a 22-point lead at one point in the third quarter.
Key Moments and Performances
- First Half Struggles: At halftime, the Aces led 41-35, capitalizing on Indiana’s turnovers and dominating paint points 22-14, as noted by @cassiechantel on X. However, the Fever’s 41% three-point shooting kept them in contention.
- Third Quarter Turnaround: Indiana outscored Las Vegas 25-10 in the second quarter of their earlier July 3 matchup (81-54 Fever win), setting the tone for their resilience. This game saw a similar surge, with the Fever erasing an eight-point deficit in the third.
- Defensive Clinic: The Fever’s defense forced 19 Aces turnovers, echoing their July 3 performance where they held Las Vegas to a season-low 54 points and 26.2% field-goal percentage.
- Caitlin Clark’s Absence: Missing her ninth game of 2025 due to a left groin injury, Clark’s absence didn’t deter the Fever, who improved to 4-4 without her, showcasing their depth.
Playoff Implications
The Fever’s win over the Aces on July 24 handed them the tiebreaker in the WNBA playoff race, a critical advantage as both teams vie for postseason positioning. Indiana’s record against Las Vegas in 2025 now stands at 2-1, with the Aces taking the June 22 matchup 89-81, led by Wilson’s 24 points. The Fever’s ability to win without Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, highlights their growth under head coach Stephanie White, who missed the game due to personal matters. For the Aces, the loss extends their skid, raising questions about their roster depth beyond Wilson, with fans on X like @Number_Six___ criticizing officiating and team performance.
Looking Ahead
The Fever (7-6) continue their homestand against the Chicago Sky on July 27, aiming to build on their momentum. The Aces (5-8), struggling with consistency, face the Minnesota Lynx next, hoping to regroup. Fan sentiment on X reflects excitement for Indiana’s resurgence, with @EliGehnTV and @IndyStarSports praising the team’s unselfish play and defensive prowess. However, Aces fans expressed frustration, with some, like those on Reddit’s r/wnba, calling for a roster overhaul to support Wilson.
Sources
- USA Today
- WNBA Official Site
- ESPN
- ESPN India
- Newsweek
- NBC Sports
- Sofascore
- Indiana Fever Official Site
- Reddit r/wnba
- X posts from @WNBA, @IndianaFever, @cassiechantel, @weareiowa5news, @fastbreaknewsph, @EliGehnTV, @93wibc, @indystar, @Brian_Haenchen, @IndyStarSports
