Fever on wrong end of WNBA history in Game 3 loss to Aces

The Indiana Fever were eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of their first-round series on Thursday. They entered the matchup looking to dethrone the defending champions after forcing a winner-take-all game but couldn’t get the job done. The team ended up on the wrong side of history following the 93-84 defeat.

Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 23 points and two assists; however she struggled from the field. The four-time All-Star converted just 7-of-23 field-goal attempts. Aliyah Boston supplied 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Caitlin Clark added 18 points and four assists. The 2024 Rookie of the Year also shot poorly, knocking down only 6-of-18 from the field.

A’ja Wilson was once again unstoppable, finishing with 36 points and 10 rebounds. Chelsea Gray contributed 23 points, four rebounds and five assists, including timely baskets down the stretch.

Caitlin Clark (22) and center A'ja Wilson — Team Clark guard Caitlin Clark (22) and center A’ja Wilson (22) react on the bench in the fourth quarter against Team Collier the 2025 WNBA All Star Game.

A’ja Wilson makes WNBA playoff history in Game 3 win over Fever

Wilson’s huge game allowed her to surpass Candace Parker and Fever legend Tamika Catchings for second-most in all-time playoff double-doubles, It was the 28th of her career and is now just four shy of tying Alyssa Thomas’ mark of 32.

A’ja Wilson in Game 3 vs Indiana:

36 PTS
10 REB
2 BLK
11-18 FG

Breaks a tie with Candace Parker & Tamika Catchings for the second-most playoff double-doubles in WNBA history. pic.twitter.com/e1KmgT1gMK

— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 2, 2026

Thursday’s result ended what was a promising season for Indiana. The team won its most games in the regular season in franchise history, leading to the No. 6 seed. The Fever lost Game 1 but bounced back with a 99-89 Game 2 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday. They now face big decisions in the offseason, whether to run it back with almost the same lineup and Stephanie White still on charge. However, they could make changes to help their three-headed monster of Clark, Mitchell and Boston get over the hump.

Wilson and Las Vegas will next face either the Golden State Valkyries or the Dallas Wings in the next round. They are aiming to defend their championship and win it all again for the fourth time in five years.