Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats – Why Champions Win Close Games
The September 13 showdown between Las Vegas and Indiana offered everything WNBA fans could want. The Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever match player stats showed a game where tiny margins made all the difference.
Playoff-Bound Teams Deliver Late-Season Drama
Las Vegas completed their season sweep over Indiana with a narrow 78-74 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The win pushed the Aces to 24-13 while the Fever dropped to 19-19.
Basketball fans witnessed history as rookie sensation Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA single-season assist record, finishing with 321 assists.
Gray Carries Aces’ Offense
Chelsea Gray turned back the clock with a vintage performance:
- 21 points on 63.6% shooting
- 6 assists against just 2 turnovers
- 5-7 from the free throw line
Gray typically averages just 8.6 points per game according to Basketball Reference, making this offensive outburst crucial in such a tight contest.
Wilson’s Rebounding Clinic
A’ja Wilson struggled shooting but dominated the glass:
- 15 points (below her MVP standards)
- 17 defensive rebounds
- 2 blocks
Wilson’s rebounding brilliance prevented Indiana from generating extra possessions. Her 17 boards represented more than half of Las Vegas’ defensive rebounds for the entire game.
Clark’s Second-Half Resurrection
After a nightmare start, Clark showed remarkable resilience:
- First half: 0 points, 3 fouls, 0-5 shooting
- Second half: 18 points (14 in third quarter)
- Final line: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists
Clark’s third-quarter explosion nearly completed a remarkable comeback for Indiana while cementing her place in WNBA record books.
Numbers That Decided The Game
| Category | Las Vegas | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 40.0% | 45.2% |
| Free Throw % | 72.2% | 55.0% |
| Turnovers | 9 | 15 |
| Points in Paint | 26 | 34 |
Indiana shot better from the field and dominated inside, but their free throw woes and turnover problems proved fatal according to the official box score.
Free Throw Line Tells The Story
The charity stripe provided the game’s clearest statistical story:
- Aces: 13-18 (72.2%)
- Fever: 11-20 (55.0%)
Nine missed free throws in a four-point loss. Simple math explains why Indiana fell short despite their advantages elsewhere.
Boston’s Efficiency Underutilized
The Aliyah Boston-A’ja Wilson matchup revealed a missed opportunity:
- Boston: 14 points (60% shooting), 8 rebounds
- Wilson: 15 points (40% shooting), 17 rebounds
Boston’s efficient shooting begs the question why she received only 10 shot attempts while less efficient teammates took more. Her success against the league’s premier defender suggests a tactical oversight by Indiana.
Mitchell’s Tale of Two Halves
Kelsey Mitchell’s performance collapsed after halftime:
- First half: 19 points
- Second half: 1 point
This dramatic dropoff coincided with Clark finding her rhythm, but Indiana needed both scoring threats firing simultaneously.
Plum’s Dagger Three
With 56 seconds remaining and leading by just two points, Kelsey Plum connected on her fourth three-pointer to extend the lead to 75-70, essentially securing the victory.
This clutch shot showcased the championship mettle that separates contenders from pretenders in tight games.
What This Game Revealed
Las Vegas showed why they’re champions, winning despite poor shooting through defense, rebounding, and execution.
Indiana demonstrated remarkable growth while exposing areas needing improvement before true title contention. Their development mirrors what we’ve seen from other rising NBA teams covered in our Mavericks-Thunder analysis – talent that needs seasoning.
FAQ’S – Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever Match Player Stats
What record did Clark break?
Clark surpassed Alyssa Thomas’s single-season assist record (316), finishing with 321 assists.
Who led both teams in scoring?
Chelsea Gray topped Las Vegas with 21 points while Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points.
What determined the final outcome?
Free throw shooting was decisive—Indiana missed 9 free throws in a game decided by 4 points.
How did bench production compare?
Indiana’s reserves outscored Las Vegas 17-12, with Damiris Dantas contributing 11 points.
When did Clark find her scoring touch?
After going scoreless in the first half, Clark erupted for 14 points in the third quarter.
Final Whistle: What Separates Champions from Challengers
The box score tells us why Vegas won. Nine missed free throws cost Indiana in a four-point loss. Wilson grabbed 17 rebounds while veterans made clutch shots. Clark broke records, but champions make the simple plays that win games. The Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever match player stats show a gap that’s closing, but isn’t closed yet.
