Kelsey Mitchell Lifts Fever Past Aces Without Caitlin Clark

Fever Take Down Aces in Clark’s Absence

Kelsey Mitchell scored 21 points to lead the Indiana Fever past the Las Vegas Aces 80–70 on Thursday night. Indiana pulled off the win despite missing star guard Caitlin Clark, who remains out with a groin injury. The team announced there’s still no timeline for her return, though recent medical scans showed no additional issues.

Indiana (13-12) snapped a two-game losing streak, both losses came against the defending champs, the New York Liberty.

Howard and Boston Dominate the Paint

Natasha Howard posted 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Aliyah Boston added 13 points and 10 boards to give Indiana Fever two strong post threats. Sophie Cunningham chipped in 15 points, and Aari McDonald sealed the game with a late 3-pointer.

Howard’s 11-point third quarter fueled a 27-point effort by the Fever, giving them a 62-56 edge heading into the final frame. Indiana then held Las Vegas to just two points over a critical four-minute stretch in the fourth. The Indiana Fever ended the game on an 11-5 run.

Aces Struggle Late After Halftime Lead

A’ja Wilson, who had been averaging 31.7 points during the Aces’ three-game win streak, led her team with 20 points. Jackie Young added 19, and NaLyssa Smith recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Las Vegas (12-12) held a 41-35 halftime lead but couldn’t maintain momentum.

After a Jewell Loyd bucket trimmed Indiana’s lead to 75-70 late in the fourth, the Aces went scoreless over the final 94 seconds. Kelsey Mitchell’s Indiana capitalized with clutch free throws and defense to close it out.