The Indiana Fever returned to the practice court today with a different kind of energy—one that could only come from knowing they had shocked the league by advancing to the WNBA semifinals.

After outlasting the Atlanta Dream in a thrilling three-game series, the Fever now face their toughest challenge yet: the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. With media crowding the sidelines at Indiana’s practice facility, players and coaches took questions that provided insight into their mindset heading into one of the most high-profile matchups in franchise history.

Head coach Stephanie White spoke first, and she made it clear that while her team was thrilled with their series win, they weren’t satisfied just yet. “We’ve been counted out all year, and we’ve continued to show resilience,” White said.

“Now we’re up against one of the greatest teams the league has seen in recent years. But we’re not backing down. We’re preparing to compete, and we believe in what we’ve built.” Her calm yet fiery demeanor set the tone for the rest of the session, giving fans a glimpse into how seriously Indiana is taking the challenge of the Aces.

Reporters quickly turned their attention to Aliyah Boston, whose dominant play in the paint against Atlanta was a key factor in Indiana’s advancement. Boston, calm but confident, noted that facing A’ja Wilson would be the ultimate test of her young career.

“A’ja is one of the best in the world. She sets the standard,” Boston admitted. “But I’ve been preparing for this kind of moment my whole life. I know it’s going to be physical, it’s going to be tough, and it’s going to take everything I have. That excites me.” Her words captured both the respect she has for her opponent and the belief she carries in herself.

Lexie Hull, whose clutch steal in Game 3 against Atlanta turned into one of the defining highlights of the Fever’s season, spoke about how the team is feeding off the underdog narrative. “Nobody thought we’d be here,” Hull said with a grin.

“But we did. And we’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone. The Aces are stacked, but we’ve shown that if we stay together and trust each other, we can surprise people.” Her comments underscored the confidence that has been building within Indiana’s locker room ever since their late-season playoff push began.

Caitlin Clark, who continues to command attention even while nursing her injury and remaining uncertain about her return timeline, addressed the media as well. Though she hasn’t been active in games, her presence has been felt throughout the Fever’s run

. When asked about the team’s matchup with the Aces, Clark was direct. “I’ve seen the fight in these girls every single day,” she said. “Vegas is the defending champ, and yeah, they’re great. But our locker room is special. They’ve got heart, and you can’t measure that on a stat sheet.” Clark’s words drew loud applause from Fever fans in attendance, reminding everyone of her unique impact on both the team and the league.

The conversation naturally shifted to game planning. White explained that slowing down Wilson would be a top priority, but she also emphasized the importance of guarding Las Vegas’s perimeter threats. “The Aces aren’t just about one superstar,” she said.

“They’ve got weapons everywhere. We have to be disciplined defensively, communicate constantly, and not give them anything easy.” White also stressed the need for her team to remain poised under the bright playoff lights, especially on the road in Las Vegas where the atmosphere is notoriously intense.

Brianna Turner, who provided crucial defense and rebounding throughout the Atlanta series, noted that Indiana’s depth would be critical. “We’ve shown that it’s not just one or two players carrying us. Everyone has had their moment, and that’s going to be key against Vegas.

CIt’s going to take all of us, every single possession.” Turner’s comment reflected the collective mindset that has carried the Fever this far and could give them a chance against the powerhouse Aces.

Despite the serious tone of many responses, there were lighter moments as well. When asked about the viral “lights-out” incident during the Aces’ last game against Seattle, Hull laughed and said, “Hopefully the lights stay on when we’re there.

But honestly, nothing surprises me anymore.” The comment drew laughs from both teammates and reporters, providing a moment of levity in an otherwise tense buildup to the series.

The Fever’s preparation also includes mental readiness. White revealed that sports psychologists have been working with the team throughout the playoffs to help manage the pressure of high-stakes games.

“We’re still a very young group, and experience matters. But that doesn’t mean we can’t handle the moment. We’ve been intentional about staying focused, blocking out the noise, and just playing basketball.” Her comments highlighted the balance between youthful energy and the maturity needed to compete with a dynasty like the Aces.

As practice wound down, the team ran through late-game situational drills—something that has proven crucial in their recent playoff success. Hull drilled corner threes, Boston battled for rebounds against multiple teammates, and Turner practiced switching defensively on smaller guards.

The urgency was palpable, and every player seemed locked in on the task ahead. “We know it’s going to take our best basketball of the year,” Boston said after practice. “And we’re ready for that challenge.”

Media members noted that the Fever’s chemistry was unmistakable. Even during water breaks, players laughed, shouted encouragement, and carried the kind of energy that only comes from belief in something bigger than themselves. “This team has grown up fast,” White reflected before leaving the podium.

“They’ve earned this opportunity. Now we’ll see what we can do with it.”

By the time the availability ended, one thing was clear: while the Indiana Fever may be underdogs against the Las Vegas Aces, they’re not approaching the series with fear. Instead, they’re embracing the challenge, using it as motivation to prove they belong among the league’s elite.

Whether it’s Boston’s toughness, Hull’s grit, Clark’s leadership from the sidelines, or White’s steady hand, the Fever have everything they need to push the champions to their limits.

The storylines are all set. It’s the veteran champions against the hungry upstarts. It’s Wilson against Boston, back-to-back MVP against rookie of the year. It’s a battle of styles, of eras, of belief. And judging by the mood at Indiana’s practice, the Fever aren’t just showing up to compete—they’re showing up to win.