Aces vs Fever: Aces Pull Away — Jackie Young, NaLyssa Smith Carry Las Vegas to 84–72 Game 3 Win Over Short-Handed Fever

Aces lead 2–1 after 84–72 Game 3 win in Indianapolis — Jackie Young 25, NaLyssa Smith 16, Fever short-handed but Kelsey Mitchell shines. Recap, stats & how to watch.

Aces vs Fever — the one-line lead

The Las Vegas Aces grabbed a 2–1 lead in their WNBA semifinal series by beating the Indiana Fever 84–72 in Indianapolis on Friday night, paced by Jackie Young’s 25 points and NaLyssa Smith’s 16 against a short-handed Fever squad that still got a huge game from Kelsey Mitchell.

Why Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever is must-watch

This semifinal series has quickly become the most compelling playoff storyline outside of marquee matchups for three reasons:

1. Contrast of rosters and resilience: Las Vegas arrived as a juggernaut with proven depth and championship pedigree; Indiana has punched above its weight in 2025 despite injuries and absences, making the Fever’s run one of the feel-good narratives of the postseason. That David-vs-Goliath dynamic makes every game unpredictable and emotionally charged.
2. Star vs. team basketball: The Aces’ superstar core (A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey/big contributors) versus the Fever’s reliance on Kelsey Mitchell and role players (Odyssey Sims, etc.) produces tactical matchups that separate strategic coaches — Becky Hammon vs Stephanie White — and yield great coaching chess.
3. Physicality & storylines: The series has been intense and sometimes physical; Game 3 in Indianapolis featured decisive individual performances and conversation about officiating and injuries around the league’s semifinal window. That intensity elevates small moments into big swings — plays that determine who advances to the WNBA Finals. (Swish Appeal)

The latest result (Game 3 recap) — essentials and boxscore highlights

Final (Game 3): Las Vegas Aces 84, Indiana Fever 72 — Aces lead series 2–1.

Top performers (Game 3):

• Jackie Young (Aces): 25 points — team-high and efficient, hit critical baskets during stretches that swung momentum.
• NaLyssa Smith (Aces): 16 points — a big inside presence versus her former team, rim protection and second-chance points.
• Kelsey Mitchell (Fever): Finished with heavy scoring load — continues to be Indiana’s engine (34 pts in Game 1 and big outputs across the series).
• Odyssey Sims (Fever): Provided veteran playmaking and hustle; offensive rebounds and mid-range scoring kept the Fever in spots.

Game flow in brief: After Game 2’s scoreline (Fever blowout earlier in the series), Game 3 shifted back to the Aces’ favor. Las Vegas weathered Fever spurts, leaned on experience in the second half, and closed on defense to preserve the win. CBS Sports, ESPN and AP recaps each highlight Young and Smith’s contributions as the key differentiators.

 

How Game 3 unfolded — quarter-by-quarter and turning points

First quarter: The Aces set the physical tone early; Young attacked downhill, and Las Vegas worked to establish paint presence — NaLyssa Smith’s activity inside proved disruptive to Indiana’s game plan. The Fever tried to rely on Mitchell’s creation but trailed into the second quarter.

Second quarter: Indiana rallied with pressure defense and a few timely threes, but turnovers and missed late shots prevented a full charge. The Aces’ bench — including role players who buy minutes with energy — helped maintain a cushion at halftime.

Third quarter: Las Vegas pushed the advantage through efficient offense and better defensive rebounding. Young’s scoring accelerated as the Fever’s defensive rotations lagged. The margin widened into a stretch that proved decisive.

Fourth quarter: Indiana attempted a late push, but the Aces answered with defensive stops and smart late clock offense. A key sequence late featured NaLyssa Smith’s interior defense and a couple of clutch baskets by Young that sealed the game. ESPN’s recap notes that the Aces closed well on both ends to clinch Game 3.

Player spotlights & matchups to watch going forward

Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)

Young’s 25-point outing in Game 3 was equal parts leadership and scoring punch; she attacked mismatches, converted in transition and hit timely mid-range jumpers. Against the Fever, her ability to create for herself off the dribble and draw attention opens lanes for NaLyssa Smith and the Aces’ shooters. Expect Las Vegas to lean on Young again as the Fever look to limit Aces’ ball movement.

NaLyssa Smith (Las Vegas Aces)

Smith’s 16 points — combined with defensive blocks and altered shots — made her a two-way standout. Facing her former team adds motivation; Smith’s rim work and energy often define how the Aces limit second-chance points. Her rim presence will be a key matchup, especially if A’ja Wilson’s minutes or status fluctuate.

Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)

Mitchell remains the Fever’s MVP-level answer; she’s been the go-to scorer and has carried high offensive loads in this postseason run. When defenses collapse on her, secondary options like Odyssey Sims or Lexie Hull (if available) must hit open shots. Mitchell’s efficiency and usage rate will continue to be Indiana’s most important metric.

Odyssey Sims & Supporting Cast (Indiana Fever)

Sims provides the steadying hand: veteran decision-making, offensive rebounds and situational scoring. Her ability to find Mitchell or create for drivers behind screens matters more when the Fever are short-handed. Lexie Hull’s status (questionable/probable per recent notes) would either relieve scoring pressure or force more usage onto Mitchell and Sims.

[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]

 

Injury & availability notes — what’s known right now

• Lexie Hull (Fever): Listed as probable after a back issue but missed some practice time; the Fever will monitor her status for upcoming home games. If Hull can’t go, the Fever lean even more on Mitchell and Sims. SB Nation and team updates noted Hull’s precautionary absence from practice while also indicating optimism for availability.
• A’ja Wilson (Aces): Wilson has had wrist issues earlier in the season (a sprained wrist that cost her games in July) but she appeared in the recent postseason action; Las Vegas manages her minutes carefully to keep her effective for playoff moments. Prior injury reports and recent recaps discuss day-to-day management, though Game 3’s narrative centered more on Young and Smith.
• General note: Playoff basketball is high-contact and officiating/physicality have been themes in the semifinal window. Media coverage from Swish Appeal and other outlets highlighted concerns and conversation about physical play and how referees are handling it. Expect both teams to err on the side of caution with player minutes. (Swish Appeal)

Tactical themes — why the Aces won Game 3 and how Indiana can reply

Aces’ blueprint for success

1. Two-way balance: Las Vegas blended interior defense (Smith) with perimeter creation (Young) to outscore Indiana in the crucial middle quarters. When the Aces control the paint and force contested outside shots, they shorten the game and exploit bench depth.
2. Bench depth & role clarity: The Aces’ bench stepped up with energy — points, rebounds and hustle plays — which matters in a series where minutes are precious. Role clarity helps Becky Hammon stagger minutes to keep core players fresh.
3. Smart late-game defense: The Aces closed possessions when it mattered. Defensive rebounding and limiting offensive rebounds prevented Indiana from extending possessions and keeping the game within reach.

JY0’s hoopin’ back in Indy 🤫

♠️ 25 PTS
♠️ 5 REB
♠️ 4 AST
♠️ 64% FG@JackieYoung3 // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/gKwxgiHooj

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 27, 2025

 

How Indiana can respond

1. Lessening scoring load on Mitchell: If Lexie Hull is limited or out, Indiana needs other scorers — Sims, younger wings or mid-range pull-up shots — to relieve Mitchell and make Aces pay for collapsing help defense. (SB Nation)
2. Attack the paint & offensive rebounding: NaLyssa Smith’s rim presence is critical for the Aces; Indiana must crash the glass and take advantage of missed shots to create second chances. Tactical emphasis on offensive rebound positioning could flip possession value.
3. Manage turnovers & free-throw opportunities: Against a veteran Aces defense, careless turnovers are costly; the Fever must protect the ball and seek high-value opportunities (drives, putbacks, trips to the line).

Series context: how we got here

• Game 1: Shock — Indiana stunned the Aces with a convincing 89–73 victory behind a 34-point Kelsey Mitchell performance. That upset took wind out of Las Vegas’ sails and shifted series odds.
• Game 2: Aces responded emphatically (blowout in Game 2 per series recaps), evening the series and returning the matchup to the expected competitive script. The swing from Game 1’s upset to Game 2’s rebound underscored the series’ volatility. (Local outlets and review coverage detailed the bouncing nature of the first two games.)
• Game 3: Las Vegas took the lead at Indianapolis, now requiring one more win to reach the WNBA Finals. The Fever, buoyed by home support for Games 3 & 4, face must-win situations or elimination depending on outcomes. Axios noted the significance of the Fever hosting Games 3 and 4 after a long postseason drought for the franchise.

Where to watch & how to follow (TV, streaming, local radio)

If you want to catch upcoming Fever vs Aces games live:

• Television (U.S.): ESPN carries national WNBA playoff windows — check local listings for primary broadcast windows and featured matchups.
• Local streaming / team feeds: Indiana Fever offer local streaming options and radio coverage (WIBC / team feeds per local guide); Las Vegas Aces content appears on team platforms and WNBA League Pass where available. Fever’s official site lists ways to watch and options for regional viewers. (go.feverbasketball.com)
• Apps & live stats: ESPN app and WNBA.com provide live box scores and play-by-play. CBS Sports and local outlets (Review-Journal, Indianapolis local press) post rapid game recaps and in-depth analysis.

Game times (recent windows): Axios reported Game 3 tipping at 7:30 p.m. local and Game 4 slated for a Sunday afternoon window (3 p.m. local), but check your local listings as times and channels can vary by market.

Fan atmosphere & community impact

• Indiana Fever at home: This is the Fever’s first home playoff appearance since 2016, and local buzz was high; sold-out sections, home energy and a chance to host a potential historic run made Game 3 an emotional night despite the loss. Axios and local coverage emphasized the franchise and city excitement. (Axios)
• Las Vegas presence: Aces fans traveled and the team’s championship culture showed in composure during pressure moments — something the Review-Journal and other Vegas outlets called out as a differentiator for Becky Hammon’s squad.

Analytics corner — trends & numbers to watch (for bettors & analysts)

• Scoring distribution: Track how many points per game Kelsey Mitchell must produce and which Aces players hit double digits: if Young + Wilson + Smith combine for 50+, Aces usually control pace. ESPN’s boxscore and CBS match recaps provide quick splits per game.
• Rebounding & turnovers: Aces’ defensive rebounding rate vs Fever offensive rebound rate will predict second-chance points — usually the decisive difference in playoff games. CBS Sports gametracker and StatMuse offer quick access to these stats. (CBSSports.com)
• Bench points: The bench swing is often decisive. In Game 3, Las Vegas’ bench provided energy and points that the Fever couldn’t match consistently. Review-Journal and AP recaps highlight this as a series theme. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Quotes & reaction (selected)

• Aces coach Becky Hammon (paraphrase from postgame): praised the team’s composure in late stretches and singled out Young and Smith for stepping up in a hostile environment. (See AP/ESPN postgame). (ESPN.com)
• Fever coach Stephanie White (paraphrase): emphasized pride in her players for the season and noted that availability (Hull’s back, other absences) has impacted rotation; promised adjustments for Game 4 at home. Local coverage captured her optimistic tone despite the loss. (SB Nation)