Las Vegas Aces Eliminate Indiana Fever From WNBA Playoffs in Game 3

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs following a 94-83 defeat to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 on October 1, 2026, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Eliminates Indiana in Game 3

Coming off an elimination-saving win earlier in the week, Indiana kept the score within single digits until the final two minutes, but the Aces closed out the contest to secure the series. The Indiana Fever saw their postseason run come to an end on October 1, 2026, dropping a 94-83 decision to the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces in the decisive third game of their first-round playoff series in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas controlled the offensive pace through a dominant night from A’ja Wilson, who poured in a game-high 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Wilson established the tone early by dropping 21 points before halftime while shooting at a high clip from the floor.

With under a minute remaining and the Fever trailing 86-82, an errant handling mishap on an inbound pass under the basket halted Indiana’s final push. Caitlin Clark finished with 18 points on 6-of-18 shooting, including 3-for-12 from beyond the arc, while committing six turnovers against four assists. Kelsey Mitchell also battled for her 23 points, converting 7 of 23 attempts from the field. For Indiana, the night brought a difficult shooting display at the worst possible time.

Clark Receives Technical and Plays Through Injury

With 6:54 remaining in the first quarter and Indiana leading 12-6, Clark and Aces forward Brianna Turner were assessed offsetting double technical fouls after an impromptu huddle broke out during a video review. Physical play defined the opening minutes of the elimination game. The incident began when Lexie Hull was whistled for fouling Wilson on a rebound attempt, sending the Aces player into the stanchion. Turner drifted into the Fever’s player huddle, prompting Clark to push her away before Turner fell back.

The technical marked Clark’s second of the postseason, moving her closer to the WNBA threshold where a fourth technical foul triggers an automatic one-game suspension and a $1,500 fine.

Down 82-77 with 3:16 left in the fourth quarter, Clark took an elbow to the face from Jewell Loyd while contesting a play. With her mouth bleeding profusely, she quickly returned to action, arguing with officials and head coach Stephanie White in her determination to remain on the floor.

Fever Face Offseason Decisions After Record Backcourt Season

Clark and Mitchell made history during the regular season by becoming just the second duo in league history to each average over 20 points per game, combining for 47 points per contest to surpass the previous mark set by Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter in 2008. The elimination halts an otherwise remarkable offensive campaign for Indiana’s backcourt tandem.

Mitchell became the organization’s first million-dollar player ahead of the season and is eligible for a supermax contract extension, while Aliyah Boston and Clark also command major salary allocations. Despite the offensive output, the franchise faces difficult personnel questions heading into the offseason. Roster construction under league salary cap rules leaves the Fever facing uncertainty in retaining all three stars together.

More on this story: Caitlin Clark Leads Fever Past Aces to Even WNBA Playoff Series · WNBA playoffs open with New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces series · Kelsey Mitchell Sets WNBA Single-Season Scoring Record

“As a group, we are still getting our feet wet on the playoff experience side. And we played against a team that is full of playoff experience. That speaks for itself.”

Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever guard, via IndyStar