The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in Las Vegas as the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces prepare to battle in a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals at Michelob Ultra Arena. With a trip to the WNBA Finals on the line and both teams riding waves of momentum and adversity, the stakes couldn't be higher. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, and fans across the nation are tuning in via ESPN2 and streaming platforms like Fubo to witness this win-or-go-home clash.
The Fever forced this winner-take-all contest with a gutsy 90-83 victory in Game 4, played in front of a raucous crowd of 16,022 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Kelsey Mitchell led the charge with 25 points, while Aliyah Boston delivered a commanding performance, notching 24 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Odyssey Sims chipped in efficiently, scoring 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting. The Fever dominated the glass, outrebounding the Aces by 12 and generating 12 second-chance points, compared to none for Las Vegas. They also capitalized on turnovers, converting 25 points from Aces’ mistakes.
Aliyah Boston’s breakout was particularly notable. After being held to 12 points or fewer in the first three games, the former No. 1 overall pick exploded in Game 4, providing a much-needed presence in the paint. Boston’s fifth playoff double-double in just her ninth career postseason game underscored her growing impact. “Boston’s presence in the paint as a scorer and rebounder was huge for this Fever team that has struggled to counter A’ja Wilson’s dominance inside,” wrote Alex Hunter of DraftKings Network.
On the other side, A’ja Wilson continued to showcase her MVP pedigree, pouring in 31 points on 14-of-24 shooting, grabbing 9 rebounds, and stuffing the stat sheet with 4 steals, 3 blocks, and 3 assists. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray also stepped up, with Young tallying 18 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds, and Gray adding 12 points, 9 assists, and 5 steals. However, the Aces’ supporting cast struggled, with no other player reaching double figures in Game 4. NaLyssa Smith, a key contributor in previous wins, was limited to just 8 points—a performance that mirrored her quiet outings in earlier losses.
Las Vegas enters Game 5 as the favorite, with sportsbooks setting the line at Aces -8 and a total of 158.5 points. The Aces boast a formidable 17-5 home record this season, while the Fever are an even 11-11 on the road. According to experts Calvin Wetzel and Aaron Barzilai, “Few teams are as good at bouncing back from losses as the Aces, especially when it comes to a winner-take-all game at home.” They also predict a defensive battle, advising bettors to consider the under, given the heightened intensity and slower pace often seen in such high-stakes games.
But the Fever are no strangers to adversity or the underdog role. Despite being the No. 6 seed and missing star rookie Caitlin Clark since mid-July due to a groin injury, Indiana has thrived in elimination games. They’ve already pulled off one upset, toppling the No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream in a first-round road decider. Now, they’re aiming for their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2015. The Aces, meanwhile, seek their third Finals berth in four seasons, having won championships in 2022 and 2023.
Both teams enter Game 5 with injury concerns. The Fever will again be without forward Damiris Dantas, who remains in concussion protocol. This marks the eighth consecutive game Indiana will have only 10 available players. Yet, head coach Stephanie White has managed to rally her squad, emphasizing resilience and teamwork. Notably, both White and Aces coach Becky Hammon were fined $1,000 by the WNBA for supporting Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve’s public criticism of officiating, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. As ESPN’s Michael Voepel observed, “The officials might feel they are under an unfair microscope now as this has become the biggest topic of the playoffs.”
The Fever’s formula for success has hinged on the dynamic play of Kelsey Mitchell, whose speed and shooting have kept Las Vegas defenders on their heels. “Indiana has found a formula that has worked twice, and it's largely built on Mitchell and the Aces' lack of answers for her quickness, speed and shooting range,” noted ESPN’s Charlie Creme. Odyssey Sims has emerged as a critical X factor, delivering strong performances in both of Indiana’s series wins. For the Aces, the pressure is on to get more production from their bench and role players—Jewell Loyd, NaLyssa Smith, and Dana Evans have all been identified as potential difference-makers who need to step up.
There’s also the matter of home-court advantage. While the Aces are formidable in Las Vegas, Indiana has already proven it can win on the road, having taken Game 1 of this series at Michelob Ultra Arena and clinched a road elimination game in Atlanta just 11 days ago. ESPN’s Creme pointed out, “The Las Vegas crowd will be loud and engaged, and while the Aces are not invincible at home, they went 17-5 at Michelob Ultra Arena in the regular season. The atmosphere should provide some extra energy.” Yet, history shows that momentum and experience can both play pivotal roles—this is the ninth time in WNBA history that a team has forced a Game 5 after winning Game 4 at home, with the home team holding a slight edge in those deciders.
Looking ahead, the winner of tonight’s clash will advance to face the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, which, for the first time, will be contested in a best-of-seven format beginning Friday, October 3. The Mercury, having eliminated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, await their challenger in what promises to be an electrifying championship series.
As tipoff approaches, both teams are laser-focused. The Aces, with their championship pedigree and home-court advantage, are eager to cement their dynasty status. The Fever, playing with house money, are determined to defy expectations one more time. Will Indiana’s resilience and Mitchell’s scoring punch carry them to another upset? Or will A’ja Wilson and the Aces’ experience prove too much in the crucible of Game 5?
One thing is certain: fans are in for a thrilling conclusion to one of the most competitive WNBA semifinal series in recent memory. With so much on the line, every possession will matter, and every player will be called upon to rise to the occasion. By the end of the night, either the Fever will complete their Cinderella run to the Finals, or the Aces will continue their quest for a third straight title. The basketball world is watching—and waiting for the next chapter to unfold.
