The Indiana Fever’s thrilling playoff run came to a heartbreaking conclusion in Game 5 against the Las Vegas Aces, falling in overtime after a grueling battle that tested every ounce of their resilience.

In the aftermath of the emotional loss, two players who stood out with their grit and poise — Lexie Hull and Brianna Turner — stepped up to address the media, offering a window into the mindset of a young Fever team that has proven it belongs among the league’s elite. Their words reflected both the pain of defeat and the pride in how far the team has come.

Lexie Hull, who has become a fan favorite for her relentless hustle and defensive energy, spoke first about the atmosphere and intensity of the deciding game. She admitted that the Fever felt the weight of the moment but insisted they did not back down from the challenge.

Hull emphasized how hard the team fought despite being the underdog against the reigning champions. Her focus was on the effort, highlighting that the Fever gave themselves every chance to win and that the loss came down to execution in the final possessions rather than a lack of belief.

Hull also discussed her personal role in the game. While she isn’t always the team’s leading scorer, her ability to disrupt opponents and make timely plays has become invaluable. She explained that she takes pride in doing the little things — diving for loose balls, contesting shots, and staying locked in defensively.

Against an Aces team stacked with offensive firepower, Hull’s determination to stick to her role kept Indiana competitive until the very end. In her view, these small but critical efforts are part of what makes the Fever’s future so bright.

Brianna Turner, who joined the Fever midseason and quickly established herself as a defensive anchor, echoed Hull’s sentiment but also opened up about the frustration of coming so close only to fall short.

Turner praised her teammates for battling through fatigue and adversity, pointing to Aliyah Boston’s inside presence and Kelsey Mitchell’s clutch shooting as reasons the Fever nearly pulled off the upset. At the same time, she admitted the loss stung more because the team had opportunities to put the game away before overtime slipped out of their control.

Turner’s comments also revealed a broader perspective. She acknowledged how far the Fever have come in a short span, going from a rebuilding franchise to a playoff contender capable of pushing the defending champions to the brink.

She credited head coach Stephanie White for instilling discipline and accountability while empowering players to grow into their roles. For Turner, the Game 5 heartbreak was not the end of the story but rather the foundation for a stronger future.

Both Hull and Turner were asked about Caitlin Clark, whose leadership and playmaking have been central to the Fever’s resurgence. While Clark had her ups and downs throughout the series, Hull praised her ability to stay composed under pressure and constantly draw defenders, opening opportunities for her teammates.

Turner highlighted Clark’s resilience, noting that even when her shots weren’t falling, she continued to push the tempo and create scoring chances. Their comments reinforced the idea that Clark’s presence elevates everyone on the roster, including role players like themselves.

The overtime loss, while heartbreaking, seemed to bring out a sense of unity and determination in Hull and Turner’s remarks. Both players stressed the importance of using this setback as motivation for next season.

They acknowledged that mistakes were made — turnovers, missed free throws, defensive lapses — but framed them as lessons that will help the Fever grow into a championship-caliber team. Hull, in particular, expressed excitement about what this core group can achieve with more experience under their belt.

Another theme that emerged from their comments was the bond within the team. Hull spoke about how close the locker room has become, describing it as a family atmosphere where every player feels supported.

Turner added that the chemistry they’ve built off the court translates directly to how they compete together on the court. Even in defeat, both emphasized that they trusted each other completely, which is why the loss felt so personal. They weren’t just playing for themselves; they were playing for one another.

Media members also asked about the Fever’s perception around the league following their breakout postseason. Hull smiled as she said that Indiana has proven it deserves respect, and that opponents can no longer overlook them.

Turner agreed, saying the Fever are no longer “easy wins” on anyone’s schedule. Instead, they’ve established themselves as a dangerous young team that is only scratching the surface of its potential. For both players, the respect they’ve earned this season is almost as important as the wins themselves.

Finally, the conversation turned to what comes next. Hull said she is eager to build on the foundation laid this year, continuing to improve her consistency and offensive game while maintaining her defensive intensity.

Turner expressed a similar mindset, noting that she wants to expand her versatility and become an even bigger force in the paint. Both players see the offseason not as downtime but as preparation for taking the next step.

In the end, Lexie Hull and Brianna Turner represented the heart of the Fever in their postgame remarks — resilient, honest, and hopeful. Their reflections after the Game 5 loss to the Aces captured the duality of sports: the crushing sting of defeat paired with the pride of progress. While Indiana’s season ended in heartbreak, the words of Hull and Turner made it clear that this is only the beginning of something special.