The Indiana Fever suffered an 86-84 overtime loss to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night in Indianapolis. The game, which saw the Fever squander a significant first-half lead, concluded with critical late-game errors impacting the outcome.
Caitlin Clark, a three-time All-Star, took responsibility for several key miscues, including two missed free throws with seven seconds left in regulation and a late turnover in overtime. Despite scoring 20 points and contributing eight assists, Clark expressed frustration over her performance, particularly the missed free throws that could have extended the Fever’s lead. She also made two go-ahead 3-pointers in the final 4 1/2 minutes of regulation.
The Fever initially built a 20-point lead in the first half, but the Aces began to close the gap. Jackie Young played a pivotal role in the Aces‘ comeback, scoring a franchise-record 15 consecutive points across the second and third quarters. This surge helped the Aces erase the deficit and set the stage for a tight finish.
Late-Game Drama Unfolds
The fourth quarter and overtime were marked by dramatic plays. Following Clark’s missed free throws, Chelsea Gray of the Aces hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to tie the game at 75, forcing overtime. In the extra period, another turnover by Clark, forced by A’ja Wilson, led to Gray hitting a second buzzer-beater to secure the win for Las Vegas.
Clark’s stat line for the night included going 7 of 20 from the field and 2 of 10 from beyond the arc. She also recorded four fouls and three rebounds. Despite the challenging night, Clark emphasized her role in helping the team win, stating, “That’s my job. That’s what I get paid to do.”
The Fever’s struggles extended beyond Clark’s individual performance. Kelsey Mitchell, who was named July’s WNBA Player of the Month, missed one of two free throws with 9.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. This missed opportunity, combined with the team’s inability to secure a loose ball, allowed Gray to make the game-tying shot.
Fever coach Stephanie White acknowledged other areas where the team faltered, noting that they gave up 18 points on turnovers. White also admitted to making a coaching error herself, regretting not calling a timeout at the end of overtime when the team was struggling to get a shot off, which directly preceded Clark’s final turnover.
Fever Players Named to World Cup Team
Prior to the game, both Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever were selected to represent USA Basketball in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. This marks their first selection to the team, which will compete in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-13. Fever head coach Stephanie White will also join the squad as an assistant coach. The preliminary round for Team USA begins on September 4, 2026, against China.
For the game against the Aces, both Clark and Boston were listed as probable. Clark was dealing with a back issue, while Boston was probable due to a right lower leg issue. Damiris Dantas was out with a left knee injury. The Aces were without Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, who was in concussion protocol.
The Fever and Atlanta Dream are currently tied atop the Eastern Conference standings, both holding a 19-11 record. The Las Vegas Aces, with a 21-9 record, are second in the Western Conference, behind the Minnesota Lynx who lead with a 25-6 record.
The game was one of three WNBA contests scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026. The Las Vegas Aces at Indiana Fever game was broadcast at 7 p.m. ET.
Source: apnews.com
