Fever Fans React to Traded Player's Return to Indiana During Aces Game
The Indiana Fever hosted the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night in what turned out to be a lopsided affair. Despite not having star guard Caitlin Clark available due to injury, the Fever were still able to dominate the Aces en route to an impressive 81-54 blowout win.
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Thursday's game also marked the return of NaLyssa Smith to Indianapolis following her offseason trade from the Fever. The former No. 2 overall pick, who spent the first three years of her career in Indiana, was traded to the Dallas Wings in February as part of the Sophie Cunningham deal.
Smith's time in Dallas did not last long, though, with the Wings opting to trade her again on Monday to the Aces in exchange for a future first-round pick.
Incidentally, Smith's first game for her new team came against the Fever, and in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, no less. This gave Indiana the opportunity to acknowledge the 6-foot-4 forward's return on Thursday night, which drew cheers from the fans in attendance.
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The Fever supporters gave Smith an ovation as her name was announced on the PA system. The former Baylor star acknowledged the reception by raising her hands and gesturing to the crowd.
Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith during a game. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Smith came off the bench in her first game for Las Vegas, logging four points on 1-of-6 shooting, seven rebounds and a steal in 23 minutes of action.
It was far from an incredible debut, but the 24-year-old could potentially play a significant role in the Aces' rotation moving forward as a frontcourt backup.
Related: Former Fever Player to Face Indiana in First Game with New Team After Unexpected Trade
Related: Caitlin Clark Gets Official All-Star Game News on Thursday
Related: Dallas Wings Rookie Enters Caitlin Clark Territory After Historic Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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