Indiana Fever’s Shocking Victory Over the Aces: Proving They’re More Than a One-Woman Team

What happens when the Indiana Fever lose their star player, Caitlyn Clark, to injury, but still manage to pull off a dominant victory against the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces? If you thought the Fever were done without their MVP-caliber player, think again. This win was not just a win—it was a statement that has shaken the WNBA to its core. Kelsey Mitchell stepped up when it mattered most, Sophie Cunningham was on fire, and the Fever proved they are built for greatness. Let’s break down this unexpected victory that changed everything for Indiana.

The Odds Were Stacked Against Them

It’s July 24th, and the Indiana Fever are coming off back-to-back losses to the Liberty, with their star player Caitlyn Clark sidelined due to a groin injury. A 12-12 record doesn’t tell the whole story, but it’s clear that critics have begun writing off the Fever. They were labeled as a team that could only succeed with Clark on the floor, a one-woman show doomed to fail in her absence. On top of that, standing in their way was none other than the back-to-back champion Las Vegas Aces, led by last year’s MVP, Asia Wilson. The Aces entered the game with a 12-11 record and the swagger of a seasoned champion.

It would have been easy to fold under the weight of these circumstances. No Caitlyn Clark. The Aces playing at their best. And the pressure mounting with every minute. It looked like this could be a turning point—except for one thing: the Indiana Fever refused to back down.

The Fever’s Secret Weapon: Kelsey Mitchell

All season, Kelsey Mitchell had faced criticism for her inconsistency. The whispers were everywhere—Mitchell was too unreliable, disappearing when the Fever needed her the most. The numbers seemed to back up those concerns: one game she’d score 20 points, and the next she’d shoot 3-of-15. With Clark out, Mitchell was expected to carry the team’s offense, and in the first half, it looked like those doubts might have been justified.

Mitchell struggled early, missing her first few shots and looking completely out of rhythm. The crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse could feel the tension building, and Mitchell could sense it too. But instead of letting the pressure break her, Mitchell turned it into fuel. Coach Stephanie White pulled Mitchell aside during a timeout and gave her a simple but powerful piece of advice: Let it fly. It’s going to go. With those words, Mitchell found her confidence and everything clicked.

The second half was Mitchell’s moment to shine. She went on to score 9 crucial points in the fourth quarter, including a dagger three-pointer that kept the Aces from mounting a serious comeback. Mitchell ended the game with 21 points, 4 assists, and a newfound sense of leadership that proved the critics wrong. She wasn’t just a role player anymore—Mitchell had become the leader this team desperately needed.

Sophie Cunningham’s Hot Streak: The Hottest Shooter in the WNBA

But Mitchell wasn’t the only player stepping up. While everyone focused on how the Fever would replace Clark’s scoring, Sophie Cunningham quietly became the most dangerous shooter in the entire league. Entering the game, Cunningham had been on an absolute tear, shooting 58.1% from three-point range over her last six games, including multiple double-digit performances. Yet, even with the spotlight on her, Cunningham didn’t blink.

Against the Aces, Cunningham’s shooting was nothing short of sensational. She knocked down 3 of 4 three-pointers, finishing with 15 points that couldn’t have come at a better time. Every time the Aces started to build momentum, Cunningham drained another three-pointer to stop their rally in its tracks. The timing of her shots was perfect—each one seemingly a dagger that crushed Vegas’s hopes of a comeback. Cunningham’s clutch performance has solidified her as one of the league’s most feared shooters.

What made Cunningham even more valuable was her versatility. She wasn’t just hitting threes; she was also playing tough defense, grabbing rebounds, and facilitating the offense. Coach White’s decision to move Cunningham into the starting lineup paid off, giving the Fever an extra ball handler and shot creator who could stretch the floor and make life easier for her teammates.

Ari McDonald’s Clutch Moment

As the game neared its final moments, it was clear that the Aces were not going to go down without a fight. Indiana held a slim five-point lead, and every possession mattered. With 35 seconds left, Ari McDonald found herself with the ball in her hands, knowing that a missed shot could give the Aces one last chance to steal the game. But McDonald, cool under pressure, launched a step-back three-pointer that swished through the net, putting the game out of reach for Vegas.

That three-pointer was more than just a big shot—it was a symbol of what the Fever were all about: resilience, confidence, and teamwork. McDonald’s clutch shot sealed the win for Indiana, and it was the perfect exclamation point on a game that showed just how dangerous this team can be when everyone contributes.

Natasha Howard’s Dominance and Defensive Identity

Throughout the game, Natasha Howard was the backbone of the Fever’s defense and rebounding efforts. With 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals, Howard was a force on both ends of the court. Her ability to shut down the Aces’ offense while contributing offensively was crucial in setting the tone for the Fever’s victory. After the game, Howard emphasized that the team’s defense was the key to their success: When defense is going, our offense is going.

Howard’s defense allowed the Fever to maintain their lead even when the Aces were pushing hard to make a comeback. It was Howard’s grit and determination that helped stifle Vegas’s offensive firepower and ensure that the Fever would control the game.

The Bigger Picture: What This Victory Means

With this 80-70 win, the Indiana Fever not only showed they can compete with the best teams in the league—they also sent a powerful message. This wasn’t just another regular season win; it was a statement about their identity as a team. Without their superstar, they showed the WNBA that they are a legitimate contender with multiple players capable of stepping up in big moments. They may have started the season as a team reliant on one player, but this victory proved that they are far more than that.

The Fever’s victory against the Aces also gave them a crucial season series tiebreaker, which could play a pivotal role in playoff seeding. Their 13-12 record now puts them firmly in the mix for a playoff spot, and when Caitlyn Clark returns from injury, they’ll be a team to watch for in 2025 and beyond.

This win was more than just a notch in the win column—it was a declaration that the Indiana Fever are a team built for greatness. With players like Mitchell, Cunningham, and Howard leading the charge, and with Clark soon to return, the Fever are ready to take the next step toward becoming a championship contender. The future is incredibly bright in Indiana.