News Summary
The Indiana Fever achieved a remarkable upset by defeating the Las Vegas Aces 89-73 in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with a playoff career-high 34 points, supported by strong performances from teammates. The Aces struggled with shooting, especially MVP A’ja Wilson, and need to regroup for Game 2. This victory is a significant boost for the Fever, who entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.
Las Vegas, Nevada – The Indiana Fever pulled off a stunning victory over the Las Vegas Aces, defeating them 89-73 in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals on September 21 at Michelob Ultra Arena. The Fever’s win is particularly notable as they entered the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, while the Aces held the No. 2 seed after a remarkable regular season that saw them finish on a 16-game winning streak.
Kelsey Mitchell was the star of the game for the Fever, scoring a playoff career-high 34 points, contributing significantly to her team’s success. Odyssey Sims also made an impact with 17 points, while Natasha Howard added 12 points, showcasing the Fever’s balanced scoring effort. Indiana maintained a comfortable double-digit lead for the majority of the second half, solidifying their grip on the game.
The Aces faced challenges throughout the matchup, particularly with the performance of their star player, A’ja Wilson, who had just been named a four-time MVP. Wilson struggled against the Fever’s defense, missing her first four shots and finishing the first half shooting only five of 16 from the field. This performance was in stark contrast to the dominant run Las Vegas demonstrated throughout the regular season.
Despite being the lower-seeded team, the Fever had previous success against the Aces, winning the regular season series 2-1. Their strong perimeter defense was evident in this game, effectively limiting the Aces’ shooting percentage and contributing to their victory. Indiana’s rebounding was also a pivotal factor; they outperformed Las Vegas in this area, helping them control the tempo and rhythm of the game.
In the playoffs, the Fever have shown significant improvement from their first round, where they had only two players in double figures. In contrast, Game 1 featured five players scoring in double digits, indicating a more cohesive team effort. Coach Stephanie White has been instrumental in leading the Fever through a challenging season marked by injuries, including the absence of star player Caitlin Clark, who has remained a motivating presence on the sidelines despite her injury.
The Fever will carry their 1-0 series lead into Game 2, scheduled for September 23 at Michelob Ultra Arena. The series is a best-of-five, with a potential Game 3 set to take place on September 26 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever now have the opportunity to take command of the series against one of the league’s strongest teams, further showcasing their resilience and determination in the postseason.
The Aces, regarded as one of the favorites in this semifinal matchup due to their stellar roster that includes multiple All-WNBA players, will need to regroup quickly to avoid an early exit from the playoffs. The playoff race is heating up, and the outcome of Game 2 could prove critical in determining the series’ direction.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indiana Fever Upsets Las Vegas Aces in WNBA Semifinal
Aces End Mercury’s Winning Streak
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Caitlin Clark Drags Sophie Cunningham
- USA Today: Aces vs Fever Live Score
- IndyStar: Fever vs Aces Game Stats
- ESPN: Aces Fall Flat in Game 1
- Athlon Sports: Coach Stephanie White’s News
- Wikipedia: 2025 WNBA Playoffs
- Google Search: WNBA playoffs 2025
- Google Scholar: WNBA playoffs 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Google News: WNBA playoffs 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.
