Indiana Fever Knock Off Las Vegas Aces 80‑70 Without Caitlin Clark

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Indiana Fever Knock Off Las Vegas Aces 80‑70 Without Caitlin Clark

On July 24, 2025, the Indiana Fever (13‑12) delivered a resilient performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, defeating the Las Vegas Aces (12‑12) by a score of 80‑70. The victory came despite the team being without rising star Caitlin Clark, who remains sidelined with a groin injury and has no set return date. No additional injuries were found during midweek tests.

Mitchell and Company Make the Difference

Kelsey Mitchell led the charge with a game-high 21 points, extending her streak of double‑digit scoring to 25 straight games. Natasha Howard added 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, marking her sixth double‑double of the year. Aliyah Boston chipped in with a double‑double of her own, posting 13 points and 10 boards. Sophie Cunningham also contributed 15 points, rounding out a balanced offensive showing.

Turning the Tide in the Second Half

Las Vegas grabbed an early edge and led 41‑35 at halftime after a late first-half surge. But Indiana answered back in the third, going on a 27-point quarter that shifted momentum. Howard accounted for 11 of those points, helping Indiana to a 62‑56 lead entering the fourth.

In the closing frame, Indiana held the Aces scoreless for nearly four minutes, turning a five-point game into a commanding lead. With 94 seconds left and the score at 75‑70, Aari McDonald buried a critical 3-pointer and Cunningham added two free throws to seal the win.

Milestones and Franchise Notes

Mitchell’s 21 points pushed her past 4,400 career points, making her the fourth-fastest guard in WNBA history to reach that milestone. Howard now sits tied for 26th in all-time WNBA double-double totals, while Boston ranks second in the league this season with ten double-doubles.

This win marks the first time since the Aces relocated to Las Vegas in 2018 that the Fever have beaten them twice in a single season.

What’s Next for Both Teams

Indiana continues its homestand next when it visits the Chicago Sky on Sunday, July 27. The Aces head to Minnesota for a showdown with the Lynx.

Final Thoughts

The Fever’s home victory over a strong Aces squad without their franchise star Caitlin Clark underscores their depth and resilience. Strong performances from Mitchell, Howard, and Boston highlight Indiana’s ability to adapt and compete under pressure. As the season progresses, they appear poised to build momentum through their next stretch of games.

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