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The Indiana Fever lost 94-83 to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA playoffs, ending a record-setting season for Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.
The Indiana Fever, the No. 6 seed, were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs with a 94-83 loss to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. The defeat ended a record-setting season for a Fever team that fell short of its championship goal.
Kelsey Mitchell sat emotionless on the dais after the game, while Caitlin Clark, seated beside her, checked her tooth and nose after taking a hit to the face in the fourth quarter. Despite the disappointment, both players pointed to the season's accomplishments as a silver lining.
Clark, who finished her fifth career postseason game, said the loss stung but emphasized the enjoyment of the season and the team's unity. She noted the importance of replicating that chemistry in the future.
Record-Setting Season Ends in Playoff Defeat
Clark and Mitchell formed the highest-scoring duo in WNBA history for the highest-scoring offense in league history. Clark averaged 22.3 points per game, ranking third in the league, and 8.3 assists, ranking second.
In Game 2 of the series, Clark became the first player in league history to record at least 25 points and 15 assists in any game, regular season or postseason. Mitchell averaged 24.7 points per game, second in the league, and set the single-season scoring record with 1,086 points.
The four-time All-Star also set the single-season record for 3-point field goals with 135. However, Mitchell is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
In the elimination game, the Fever trailed by just two points with 2:15 remaining but could not complete the comeback. Mitchell and Clark combined for 41 points but shot only 13-for-41 from the field and 6-for-23 from beyond the arc.
Playoff Experience and Future Goals
Mitchell said the playoff experience is crucial for the team's growth, helping players identify areas for improvement. She noted that the Fever are still gaining postseason experience while facing a team full of playoff veterans.
She added that the team must keep fighting to return to this position and use the offseason to improve. Clark described the year as the most basketball she has ever played, between Team USA camp, the WNBA season, and the FIBA World Cup, and called it one of the most fulfilling.
Clark said she improved in every area and still sees many areas to work on. She expressed excitement about the future and her love for training and being in the gym.
Despite the loss, Clark praised Mitchell, calling her season the best by any guard in league history. She acknowledged that poor shooting nights happen but said there is still much to be proud of.
The Fever were the No. 6 seed for a third consecutive season and did not advance as far as in 2025, when they were an overtime period away from the Finals with an injury-riddled roster. The team now enters the offseason with questions about Mitchell's free agency and the goal of building on a record-breaking year.
Indiana Fever Las Vegas Aces Caitlin Clark Kelsey Mitchell WNBA Playoffs Michelob Ultra Arena WNBA Records
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