In the electric atmosphere of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the semifinal matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces always promises breathtaking moments. But Game 3 of this series, held on September 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, was more than just a regular basketball game; it was a story of extraordinary resilience, unwavering team spirit, and the strength of a collective facing seemingly insurmountable adversity. Although the Las Vegas Aces secured an 84-72 victory to take a 2-1 series lead, the way the Indiana Fever competed with a roster decimated by injuries truly captured the hearts of many.
The Painful Absence of Caitlin Clark
One of the most shocking pieces of news before the game was the absence of rising superstar Caitlin Clark. Clark, who had battled lower-body injuries throughout the season, was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the season with a groin injury. Her absence deprived the Fever of a dynamic scorer whom many had anticipated would shine in her playoff debut. Despite the original video’s title, “Caitlin Clark Hits Logo Threes Over Stephanie White in Final Practice Before Game 3!”, credible sources confirmed that Clark did not participate in the final practices for this game as an active player. Instead, she was on the bench, cheering on her teammates, proving that her spirit was still very much with the team, even if she couldn’t be on the court with the ball in her hands.
An Injury Storm Devastates the Fever Roster
The story of the Fever this season has been an epic of perseverance. They have faced a growing list of injuries that has left their roster perilously thin. Besides Caitlin Clark, the Fever also lost several other key players, including Damiris Dantas (concussion), Sophie Cunningham (MCL tear), Sydney Colson (ACL tear), Aari McDonald (foot fracture), and Chloe Bibby (knee injury)—all of whom are out for the season. This forced Indiana to stretch its bench and test its adaptability in high-pressure moments.
However, amidst the gloomy news, there was a bright spot: Lexie Hull. Hull had been struggling with a nagging back injury and was listed as “probable” for Game 3. Her injury stemmed from a hard collision in Game 1 when she was “drilled” while setting a screen. Despite the discomfort, Hull played in Game 2 and delivered an outstanding performance, leading Indiana in scoring and serving as a key perimeter defender. And in Game 3, she once again showcased her “warrior” spirit, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the first double-double of her playoff career. Hull’s availability added another layer of significance, as her defensive versatility and long-range shooting were crucial for countering the potent Aces offense.
The Dramatic Flow of Game 3
The game began with the advantage leaning toward the Las Vegas Aces, who had no players on their injury report and boasted a full roster of stars led by A’ja Wilson. The Aces built a 10-point lead in the first quarter. However, fueled by a passionate home crowd and a surge from the Fever, particularly back-to-back 3-pointers from Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana closed the gap to 35-34 by halftime.
The Fever even took their first lead of the game on a layup by Aliyah Boston early in the second half and maintained the lead for much of the third quarter. However, the Aces tightened up their defense and closed the period on a 6-0 run, taking a 59-56 lead into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Fever’s offense stall. They missed their first eight shots and scored only three points from the free-throw line in the first 7:35 of the period. The Aces capitalized, scoring 12 points during that stretch to extend their lead to 11 and holding on for the win. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 21 points, while Jackie Young led the Aces with 25.
A Spirit of Perseverance and Fan Energy
Despite the loss, the Indiana Fever displayed a commendable fighting spirit. As coach Stephanie White shared, “We got a lot of good looks. Didn’t knock down a ton of them.” She also noted that the team “missed some opportunities at the free-throw line and then got a little stagnant.”. However, the team’s camaraderie was undeniable. They “love each other and want to compete for each other,” building “great relationships.” When things get tough, they “don’t run” but “come together and have discussions”.
The energy from the fans also played a crucial role. Although the result wasn’t what they hoped for, the fervent support from the home crowd empowered the Fever. “The crowd is going to be rocking the building,” one player shared, “that’s one thing that we love about our fans, they bring the energy and they help us out on the court as well with their energy”.
The Fever now face elimination and must win the next two games to advance to the WNBA Finals. Despite the immense challenges, the team’s ability to rally in the face of crisis is something to be proud of. This game was not just a loss; it was a testament to the relentless fighting spirit of the Indiana Fever, a team that has redefined the meaning of resilience in women’s basketball.