Indiana Fever Stun Las Vegas Aces 90-83, Forcing Decisive Game 5

Indianapolis, September 28, 2025 – In front of a roaring home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Fever delivered their most electrifying performance of the postseason, defeating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 90-83 on Sunday night. The victory evened the WNBA semifinal series at 2-2 and ensured the matchup will be decided in a high-stakes Game 5 later this week.

From the opening tip, Indiana played with a sense of urgency that reflected the do-or-die nature of the game. The Fever surged ahead early, riding the dominance of Aliyah Boston in the paint and the timely shooting of Kelsey Mitchell, who combined for 46 points. NaLyssa Smith added a double-double performance, anchoring both ends of the court and reinforcing Indiana’s determination to keep their championship hopes alive.

Heart Meets Strategy

Head coach Christie Sides praised her team’s balance of grit and execution. “We knew anything could happen, and today the team played with both heart and strategy,” Sides said in her postgame remarks. “This group believes in each other, and that belief showed in every possession tonight.”

The Fever’s defensive intensity also told the story. They managed to contain Aces superstar A’ja Wilson to just 18 points, a significant dip from her series average, while limiting Jackie Young’s perimeter impact. Each defensive stand fueled the crowd, whose energy seemed to lift Indiana in the game’s closing minutes when Las Vegas threatened to rally.

The Aces Fight Back

Despite the loss, Las Vegas demonstrated why they remain one of the league’s most feared teams. Guard Kelsey Plum erupted for 27 points, keeping the Aces within striking distance throughout the second half. Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with her usual poise, but turnovers in the final minutes proved costly. Head coach Becky Hammon acknowledged the uphill battle ahead but refused to let confidence waver. “This series is far from over,” Hammon said. “Game 5 is going to be a war, and we’ll be ready.”

A Series That Defines the Season

For the Fever, the win represented more than just survival. It was a statement that Indiana’s rebuild has reached maturity. After years of frustration and missed playoffs, the Fever are no longer an up-and-coming team—they are contenders capable of standing toe-to-toe with the league’s reigning champions.

Boston emphasized the team-first mindset that has carried them through this postseason run. “We just kept reminding ourselves: we don’t have to be perfect, we just have to play together,” she said. “When we trust each other, we’re at our best.” Her words echoed the Fever’s season-long mantra, “We Over Me,” a philosophy that has now pushed them to the brink of one of the franchise’s greatest playoff triumphs.

Looking Toward Game 5

The decisive Game 5, set to be played in Las Vegas, looms as one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 WNBA season. The Aces will enjoy the advantage of playing in Michelob Ultra Arena, where their fan base has consistently provided one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the league. Yet Indiana has shown a resilience that suggests they will not be easily rattled.

Analysts point to the Fever’s bench production as a potential X-factor. Erica Wheeler and Grace Berger combined for 15 crucial points in Game 4, contributions that allowed the starters to maintain rhythm while resting. If Indiana’s second unit can replicate that performance in Game 5, the Fever may have the depth needed to shock Las Vegas on their home floor.

For both teams, the stakes could not be higher. The winner will advance to the WNBA Finals, while the loser will face the bitter end of a grueling season. Fans, players, and coaches alike know that this decisive battle will likely come down to execution, composure, and the ability to thrive under pressure.

As the Fever walked off the court Sunday night, their chants of celebration mingled with the crowd’s deafening roar. They had earned another chance, and perhaps something even bigger: the belief that their time has arrived.