Meta Description: Last night’s aces vs fever clash delivered heartbreak for Indiana fans as Jackie Young’s 25 points powered the Las Vegas Aces to an 84-72 win. Dive into the drama, stats, and what’s next for this epic WNBA semifinal series.
In a pulse-pounding aces vs fever showdown that had Gainbridge Fieldhouse rocking, the Las Vegas Aces just eked out a gritty 84-72 victory over the Indiana Fever in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals. Last night, September 26, 2025, the Aces clawed back from a shaky start to seize a crucial 2-1 series lead, leaving Indiana Fever supporters stunned and Vegas faithful roaring. This fever game wasn’t just basketball—it was a testament to resilience, heartbreak, and the unyielding spirit of playoff hoops.
Jackie Young Emerges as the Unlikely Hero
When the lights shine brightest, stars are born—or in this case, reignited. Jackie Young, hailing from Indiana’s own backyard, channeled hometown fire into a masterful 25-point explosion. Shooting efficiently and dishing four assists, Young dismantled the Fever defense with poise that belied the pressure.
Her performance wasn’t flashy; it was ferocious. Young tallied 10 points in the first half alone, steadying a rattled Aces squad early on. As the crowd—many waving Indiana Fever banners—tried to will their team forward, Young’s calm under fire turned the tide. “This is my state, my roots,” Young said post-game, her voice thick with emotion. “I owed them everything tonight.”
For Las Vegas Aces fans, it was vindication after a rollercoaster series. Young’s outburst wasn’t just stats; it was a statement, reminding everyone why the Aces entered as favorites despite the Fever’s scrappy upset in Game 1.
NaLyssa Smith’s Revenge Against Old Flames
Adding fuel to Vegas’ fire was NaLyssa Smith, dropping 16 points and snagging four rebounds in a poignant return to Indiana. Traded from the Fever earlier this season, Smith played with a chip on her shoulder, her every bucket a nod to unfinished business.
Smith’s efficiency—hitting key jumpers in the third quarter—helped the Aces balloon a slim halftime lead into double digits. Her four boards were gritty, contesting every loose ball like it was personal. Teammates mobbed her after a dagger three that silenced the arena, a moment that encapsulated the raw emotion of this las vegas aces vs indiana fever rivalry.
A’ja Wilson’s Nightmare: MVP’s Rare Off Night
Even legends falter, and last night, it was A’ja Wilson’s turn to feel the sting. The reigning MVP, A’ja Wilson, labored through her second-worst shooting night of the season, finishing with just three points on 1-of-11 shooting. Five rebounds, two assists, and four blocks showed her defensive grit, but offensively? It was a ghost of her usual dominance.
A’ja Wilson entered the game as the series’ X-factor, but the Fever‘s double-teams and traps exposed vulnerabilities. Her frustration boiled over in the second quarter, a turnover drawing boos from neutral fans. Yet, in true MVP fashion, Wilson anchored the paint, swatting shots that preserved Vegas’ momentum.
This dip humanizes the icon. A’ja Wilson‘s struggles amplified her teammates’ heroics, proving the Aces’ depth. Post-game, she shrugged it off: “Bad nights happen. Tomorrow’s a new fight.” For Fever faithful, it was a glimmer of hope—could they force another Wilson ice-cold performance in Game 4?
Kelsey Mitchell’s Valiant Stand for the Fever
On the flip side, Kelsey Mitchell embodied the Indiana Fever‘s never-say-die ethos, battling through inefficiency for a team-high 21 points. But her 8-of-26 field goal clip, including 3-of-11 from deep, mirrored the Fever‘s collective cold streak.
Mitchell’s third-quarter flurry—seven straight points—ignited a brief rally, pulling Indiana within five and sending chills through the arena. Her poise in pick-and-rolls kept the fever game alive, but turnovers and missed open looks doomed the hosts. At 24-20 in the regular season, the Fever WNBA squad has overachieved; Mitchell’s heart-wrenching effort only deepened fans’ attachment.
Short-Handed Fever Fight Back—But Fall Short
The Indiana Fever entered shorthanded, missing key pieces like Caitlin Clark (groin) and others in protocol, yet they punched above their weight. Aliyah Boston chipped in solid double-digit rebounds, while Lexie Hull’s 10 first-half points hinted at bench spark. But poor shooting—32.9% from the field—sealed their fate.
Vegas capitalized, shooting 50.8% and dominating the paint despite Wilson’s woes. The Aces’ bench outscored Indiana’s 28-19, a stat that underscores their championship pedigree. This las vegas aces vs indiana fever matchup has been a playoff gem, blending youth vs. experience in electric fashion.
As the clock ticked down, Fever basketball fans chanted defiantly, their team’s grit earning respect even in defeat. The series now shifts back to Vegas for Game 4 on September 29—can the Fever steal it on the road?
Key Takeaways from the Aces vs Fever Thriller
- Jackie Young: 25 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST – Career playoff high in her home state, fueling a 20-5 third-quarter run.
- NaLyssa Smith: 16 PTS, 4 REB – Emotional 53.8% shooting against ex-team, including a momentum-shifting three.
- A’ja Wilson: 3 PTS (1-11 FG), 5 REB, 4 BLK – Defensive anchor despite offensive woes; Aces still won by 12.
- Kelsey Mitchell: 21 PTS (8-26 FG) – Led Indiana Fever score but couldn’t overcome 14 turnovers.
- Team Stats: Aces 84-72 win; Vegas 50.8% FG vs. Fever’s 32.9%; Rebounds: IND 39-26 LVA edge to hosts, but paint points favored Aces 42-30.
These nuggets highlight why this series captivates—unpredictable stars, strategic chess, and sheer willpower.
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Where to Watch the Next Fever Game Tonight? Game 4 Preview
With the series teetering at 2-1, all eyes turn to Michelob Ultra Arena for Game 4 on Tuesday, September 29 at 8 p.m. ET. Catch the action live on ESPN—where to watch las vegas aces vs indiana fever couldn’t be easier via streaming on the ESPN app or WNBA League Pass.
Expect a desperate Indiana Fever game push; their road warriors mentality shone in Game 1’s 89-73 upset. For Vegas, it’s closeout time—Aces WNBA depth could overwhelm a weary Fever crew. Odyssey Sims and Nalyssa Smith‘s bench energy might tip scales, but don’t sleep on Mitchell’s scoring burst or Boston’s interior presence.
This fever game today hangover lingers, but playoffs thrive on redemption. Will the Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever match player stats tilt further toward Vegas, or does Indiana summon playoff magic? One thing’s certain: emotions will run high.
As a fever score of 72 underscores, the fight’s far from over. Indiana Fever‘s Cinderella run has inspired a nation; Vegas’ poise reminds why they’re perennial contenders. Stay locked in—this semifinal saga is WNBA poetry in motion.
About the Author
Jamal Hayes is a veteran sports journalist with over a decade covering the WNBA for outlets like ESPN and The Athletic. A Chicago native and hoops junkie, Jamal lives for underdog stories and buzzer-beaters. Follow him on X @JamalHoopsBeat for real-time WNBA insights.
