News Summary
The Indiana Fever achieved a stunning victory against the Las Vegas Aces, winning 89-73 in Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinal playoff series. The Fever, entering the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, dominated the game, with Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge with 34 points. Odyssey Sims and Natasha Howard also made significant contributions. This defeat for the Aces marks their second loss in three games, raising the stakes for Game 2 as they aim to avoid a 2-0 series deficit.
Las Vegas, NV – The Indiana Fever pulled off a surprising upset against the Las Vegas Aces, winning 89-73 in Game 1 of their WNBA Semifinal playoff series, held at the Michelob Ultra Arena. This victory marks an important moment for the Fever, who entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, while the Aces held the 2-seed position.
The Fever showcased their ability to dominate early in the game, establishing a lead of as many as 16 points. Indiana’s players made significant contributions on both ends of the court, particularly in the paint where they outscored the Aces 50-38. Kelsey Mitchell had an outstanding performance, leading the Fever with 34 points and 3 assists, which included shooting an impressive 12 of 23 from the field. This achievement represents the highest point total in a playoff game for Mitchell, who became the first Fever player to score over 30 points in a playoff game since 2012.
In addition to Mitchell’s scoring prowess, Odyssey Sims played a vital role with 17 points, 3 steals, and 3 assists. Furthermore, Natasha Howard recorded a double-double, contributing 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The Fever’s strategic play style kept the Aces on their toes, creating a sense of urgency that the Aces were unable to match throughout the game.
On the other hand, the Aces were led by Jackie Young, who scored 19 points and secured 7 rebounds. A’ja Wilson, who was awarded her fourth MVP title earlier on the same day, scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. However, Wilson struggled significantly during the game, hitting only 6 of 22 attempts from the field, highlighting the Fever’s effective defensive strategy in containing the league’s MVP.
The outcome of the game is particularly noteworthy given the Aces’ previous success; they had been riding a 17-game winning streak before this upset. However, this loss marks their second defeat in the last three games of the postseason. The Fever’s performance not only demonstrates their ability to rise to the occasion but also capitalizes on the confidence gained from regular-season victories over the Aces.
Indiana’s victory poses significant pressure on the Aces in the upcoming Game 2, scheduled for Tuesday night at 9:30 PM ET. The Aces will need to win to avoid falling into a 2-0 series deficit, a situation which has proven historically challenging, as no team has recovered from such a deficit in WNBA playoff history. The game will be broadcasted on 93.5 and 107.5 The Fan.
Mitchell has become a standout player in the playoffs thus far, averaging 26 points per game, which ties her with A’ja Wilson for the postseason lead. The Fever’s success in this semifinal series will largely depend on their ability to maintain the momentum and intensity they displayed in Game 1 against the powerhouse Aces.
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Additional Resources
- WNBA: A’ja Wilson Wins MVP
- IndyStar: A’ja Wilson Stats Analysis
- ESPN: Fever Upset Aces Game 1
- New York Times: Indiana Fever vs. Aces Game 1 Recap
- CBS Sports: WNBA Semifinals Analysis
- Wikipedia: WNBA Playoffs
- Google Search: 2025 WNBA Playoffs
- Google Scholar: WNBA Semifinals 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Google News: WNBA Semifinals 2025
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
