When examining the Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever match player stats from their September 13 clash, one number stands above all others: four. Those four points separated victory from defeat in a game where champions found ways to win despite statistical disadvantages.
September Showdown: The Final Regular Season Meeting
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse scoreboard showed 78-74 favouring Las Vegas when the final buzzer sounded. This victory completed a season sweep for the Aces over the Fever, lifting their record to 24-13 while Indiana fell to 19-19.
Beyond the standings impact, this contest featured Caitlin Clark setting the WNBA single-season assist record, finishing her remarkable rookie campaign with 321 assists.
The Statistical Puzzle: How Vegas Won Despite Shooting Worse
The box score presents a fascinating contradiction. Indiana outshot Las Vegas from the field (45.2% vs 40.0%), won the rebounding battle (35-31), scored more in the paint (34-26), and received better bench production (17-12).
So how did the Aces still win? Two critical statistical categories tell the story:
| Category | Las Vegas Aces | Indiana Fever |
|---|---|---|
| Free Throw % | 72.2% (13-18) | 55.0% (11-20) |
| Turnovers | 9 | 15 |
Those nine missed free throws and six extra turnovers proved fatal for Indiana in a four-point defeat.
Individual Brilliance: Gray Steps Up When It Matters
Chelsea Gray delivered when her team needed scoring punch:
- 21 points on 63.6% shooting
- 6 assists against just 2 turnovers
- 5-7 from the free throw line
This performance far exceeded her normal output. According to Basketball Reference, Gray typically averages just 8.6 points per game, making this offensive explosion particularly valuable.
Her efficient scoring and steady playmaking stabilised the Aces throughout the contest, especially when Indiana mounted comeback attempts.
Dominant Defender: Wilson Controls the Glass
A’ja Wilson showcased her defensive value even on a poor shooting night:
- 15 points on 40% shooting
- 17 rebounds (all defensive)
- 2 blocks
Wilson’s rebounding brilliance prevented Indiana from generating second chances at crucial moments. Her defensive presence alone changed countless possessions.
A Tale of Two Halves: Clark’s Comeback
The Clark box score tells a remarkable story of persistence:
- First half: 0 points, 3 fouls, 0-5 shooting
- Second half: 18 points (14 in third quarter alone)
- Final line: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists
After a nightmare start, Clark engineered a third-quarter surge that transformed a potential blowout into a tight finish. Her performance perfectly illustrated both her immense talent and the rookie inconsistency she battled throughout the season.
Efficiency Underutilised: The Boston Factor
The matchup between Aliyah Boston and Wilson revealed an interesting tactical subplot:
- Boston: 14 points (60% shooting), 8 rebounds
- Wilson: 15 points (40% shooting), 17 rebounds
Despite Boston’s superior shooting efficiency, she received only 10 field goal attempts compared to teammates Clark (18) and Mitchell (16). This disparity raises questions about Indiana’s offensive approach, especially considering Boston’s success against the league’s premier defender.
Hot Start, Cold Finish: Mitchell’s Disappearing Act
Kelsey Mitchell’s statistical profile showed a stark contrast:
- First half: 19 points on efficient shooting
- Second half: 1 point
This dramatic scoring dropoff coincided with Clark finding her rhythm. Indiana needed both scoring threats simultaneously to secure victory against the defending champions.
The Shot That Sealed It: Plum’s Clutch Triple
With just 56 seconds remaining and clinging to a slim two-point advantage, Kelsey Plum connected on her fourth three-pointer to extend the lead to 75-70.
This clutch shot showcased why championship experience proves valuable in tight contests. Indiana simply couldn’t match Vegas in late-game execution.
What the Stats Reveal About Both Teams
The statistical story from this contest mirrors patterns seen across both teams’ seasons.
Las Vegas confirmed their championship identity by winning despite shooting struggles. Their ability to limit turnovers (9), convert free throws (72.2%), and make crucial defensive stops in key moments carried them when shots wouldn’t fall.
Indiana displayed their growth while exposing areas still needing refinement. Their improved competitiveness against the WNBA’s elite mirrors the development trajectory of other rising teams like the Phoenix Suns during their rebuild.
Common Questions About This Matchup
Did this game have any historical significance? Yes, Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA single-season assist record during this game, finishing with 321 assists (surpassing Alyssa Thomas’s previous mark of 316 set in 2023).
Which players led the scoring for each team? Chelsea Gray topped Las Vegas with 21 points while Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 20 points.
What factors decided the final outcome? Free throw shooting proved decisive—Indiana missed 9 free throws in a game decided by just 4 points. The turnover differential (15 for Indiana vs 9 for Vegas) also significantly impacted the result.
How did Indiana’s bench perform? The Fever reserves outscored Vegas 17-12, with Damiris Dantas providing 11 points on efficient 4-6 shooting including 2-2 from three-point range.
What happened in the third quarter? Clark scored 14 points in the third quarter alone after going scoreless in the first half, fueling Indiana’s comeback effort.
The Blueprint for Championship Basketball
The Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever match player stats provide a perfect case study in championship basketball fundamentals. When shots don’t fall, elite teams still find ways to win through defence, rebounding, ball security, and free throw proficiency.
Indiana’s statistical advantages in several categories show their increasing competitiveness. The gap between these teams continues shrinking with each meeting.
For the Fever, this game offers both encouragement and clear areas for improvement. With Clark’s historic playmaking, Boston’s efficiency, and Mitchell’s scoring potential, the foundation for future success is firmly in place. They simply need more reps in these high-pressure situations to develop the consistency and execution that champions like the Aces display when games hang in the balance.
