Fever vs Aces: Las Vegas Eliminates Indiana 94-83 in Game 3 to Win the First-Round Series 2-1
The Indiana Fever's 2026 playoff run ended on 1 October when the Las Vegas Aces won the deciding Game 3 94-83. Series results, why the matchup drew record search interest and what comes next for both teams.
Liz Cambage shoots the ball. Photo: Lorie Shaull via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
"Fever vs Aces" has been one of the most searched sports phrases in the United States this week, and the series it refers to is now over. The Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 94-83 in Game 3 on Wednesday 1 October 2026 to win their first-round WNBA playoff series two games to one. Here is how the series went, why it drew such a large audience and what happens next.
The series, game by game
- Game 1, Saturday 27 September: Aces 102, Fever 85. Las Vegas controlled the game from the second quarter and never let Indiana back in.
- Game 2, Monday 29 September: Fever 99, Aces 89. Indiana's offence found its rhythm and forced a deciding game.
- Game 3, Wednesday 1 October: Aces 94, Fever 83. Las Vegas took the series with a composed second half.
A 2-1 result in a best-of-three first round is the format the WNBA has used for its opening playoff round, and it leaves little room for error: lose the opener on the road and you need two straight.
Why the matchup drew so much interest
Two things combined. The Fever have been the league's biggest draw for television and ticket sales over the past two seasons, so any Fever playoff game trends. The Aces, meanwhile, are the league's most successful recent franchise, with multiple titles this decade. The two teams had also split their regular-season meetings, with the Fever winning by 16 in July and the Aces winning by two in August, so there was a genuine question about who was better. That makes for high search volume before, during and after each game.
What it means for the Fever
Indiana's season ends in the first round. Having reached the playoffs and taken the Aces to a deciding game, the Fever will look at the series as progress with a frustrating finish. Attention now turns to the off-season, including contracts and the draft, which is why "Fever roster" and "Fever free agency" searches typically rise within days of elimination.
What is next for the Aces
Las Vegas advances to the semi-finals, which are a best-of-five series. Their opponent depends on how the other first-round series finish. The league publishes the semi-final schedule once the bracket is set, usually within a day or two of the last first-round game.
Watching the WNBA playoffs from India
Playoff games tip off in the US evening, which is early morning in India, generally between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM IST. The WNBA League Pass streams every game internationally, and the league posts condensed games and highlights on YouTube soon after each game ends.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Fever vs Aces series?
The Las Vegas Aces, 2-1, after a 94-83 win in Game 3 on 1 October 2026.
Is the Indiana Fever's season over?
Yes. The Fever were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs.
Who do the Aces play next?
A semi-final opponent will be confirmed when the remaining first-round series finish. The semi-finals are best-of-five.
What were the scores in the Fever vs Aces series?
Game 1: Aces 102-85. Game 2: Fever 99-89. Game 3: Aces 94-83.
How many games is the WNBA first round?
A best-of-three, with the higher seed hosting the first game.
