The Indiana Fever delivered a statement performance on July 3, dominating the Las Vegas Aces 81-54 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and improved to 9-8 on the season.
In a game marked by suffocating defense and a combustible sideline moment, the Fever’s collective effort shone even brighter in the absence of injured star Caitlin Clark.
Stephanie White Praises Indiana Fever’s Defense That Locked the Win
From the outset, Indiana Fever’s defense dictated the flow. The Fever held Las Vegas to just 26.2% shooting (16-of-61) and forced 17 turnovers, turning stops into scores in transition all night long. Indiana, meanwhile, shot 49.2% (31-of-63) and frequently attacked the basket.
Fever head coach Stephanie White was effusive in her praise of her players after the win. She lauded their commitment on the defensive end.
White could be seen announcing milestones, including Kelsey Mitchell grabbing her 700th career assist, Aliyah Boston clocking the fifth Fever all-time career rebounds, and Natasha Howard’s 52nd career double-double.
“I hope that you can sense, you see, and you feel when we play that kind of defense the difference that it makes,” White quipped. The clip was posted on X by Indiana Fever‘s official X account.
“I hope that you can sense, you see, and you feel when we play that kind of defense the difference that it makes.”
go inside the locker room after we beat the Aces 81-54 while holding them to 26% from the floor 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HqBkSU3tNw
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 4, 2025
Meanwhile, Fever star Caitlin Clark has been out of the games due to her groin injury. She missed her fourth straight game (including the Commissioner’s Cup) tonight and is still on her recovery journey.
Indiana Dominates Aces 81-54 Behind Natasha Howard’s Double‑Double
From the opening tip, Indiana set the tone by smothering Las Vegas on both ends. Kelsey Mitchell led the attack and her team with 25 points and six assists, while Commissioner’s Cup MVP Natasha Howard posted a double‑double with 11 points and 10 boards. Aliyah Boston chipped in 20 points, seven boards, and two assists, highlighting a balanced attack that kept the Aces on their heels.
Indiana exploded for a 21-14 run to close the first half and 25-10 in the second, taking a commanding 46-24 lead into the locker room. The Fever finished the game at 31.3% from the three-point line compared to Aces’ 18.8%.
Las Vegas never found an answer. Although A’ja Wilson was the sole Aces player to post 29 points and 11-for-13 from the free‑throw line tonight. The rest of the Aces couldn’t even score beyond six points and struggled on the hardwood.
Kelsey Mitchell led the way against the Aces 🤩 pic.twitter.com/rtItDJFTma
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 4, 2025
After their thrilling Commissioner’s Cup triumph on July 1, where Indiana won against the Minnesota Lynx 74-59, the Fever tightened their grip even further. With momentum firmly on their side, Indiana will ride this wave of confidence into the next leg of their homestand.
Indiana Fever will play against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 5 and the Golden State Valkyries on July 9. Both the games will be held at Indianapolis.
Whether Clark will play in the upcoming game is still undetermined, and the team will update her status before Saturday’s tip-off.
