Las Vegas, NV — When the Las Vegas Aces needed their biggest star to answer the moment, A’ja Wilson did exactly what championship players are expected to do.
Wilson erupted for 36 points and 10 rebounds Thursday night, leading the defending champions to a 94-83 victory over the Indiana Fever in a physical and emotional Game 3 that sent Las Vegas into the second round of the WNBA playoffs.
The four-time WNBA MVP put together another dominant performance at the most important time, shooting 11-for-18 from the field and scoring 21 points in the opening half.
For Wilson, the performance also provided a powerful response following a verbal exchange with a Fever fan in Indiana two nights earlier.
Rather than allowing the incident to become the defining story of the series, Wilson put her attention back where she wanted it — on basketball.
“I have my moments because I’m human,” Wilson said. “But after a while, I understood I didn’t want that to be a distraction to myself and my team, and I knew what we had to do coming into tonight. So I put it behind me. I prayed a lot. I cried a lot.”
The Aces, the No. 3 seed, have now advanced after winning three of the last four WNBA championships. They will face the winner of the Golden State-Dallas series, which is scheduled to be decided Friday night in San Francisco.
Las Vegas has also become a familiar postseason obstacle for Indiana.
For the second consecutive season, the Aces ended the Fever’s playoff run. The teams met in the semifinals last year, with Las Vegas eventually winning a decisive overtime game in the five-game series. Caitlin Clark missed that series because of injury.
Clark acknowledged the challenge of facing a team with Las Vegas’ championship pedigree.
“We’ve got to give credit to the Aces,” Clark said. “I thought they played well. I thought they were ready to go. That’s what championship teams do.”
Wilson Sets the Tone
Wilson made sure the series would be remembered for her performance rather than the controversy surrounding her.
After opening the series with 38 points and 16 rebounds, Wilson returned to Las Vegas and delivered another extraordinary outing in the deciding game.
Her offensive attack was relentless, particularly during the first half, when she repeatedly found ways to get into the paint and create scoring opportunities.
Chelsea Gray provided another major offensive contribution for the Aces with 23 points, while Jackie Young finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Jewell Loyd, inserted into the starting lineup because of an injury to Stephanie Talbot, added 11 points.
Indiana received 23 points from Kelsey Mitchell, although she struggled from the field, finishing 7-for-23.
Aliyah Boston recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Clark came out aggressively, scoring 11 points in the opening quarter, but the Aces made adjustments and limited her production for the remainder of the night. She managed only seven additional points after the first quarter.
Physicality Defines Game 3
The intensity surrounding the matchup was evident from the opening minutes.
With both teams’ seasons on the line, the game quickly developed the physical edge expected from a playoff elimination game.
Clark and Las Vegas forward Brianna Turner were each assessed technical fouls just over three minutes into the contest.
Indiana had gathered in a huddle on the court when Turner moved toward the group. Clark shoved Turner away, escalating the exchange and drawing the technical.
The emotions continued into the second quarter.
Indiana coach Stephanie White was assessed a technical while arguing a foul involving Turner and Lexie Hull. White believed Turner had brought Hull down, but the foul was ultimately called on Hull.
The physical play remained a storyline throughout the night.
Clark was hit in the mouth during the fourth quarter and needed attention after blood became visible.
Fever Refuse to Go Away
Las Vegas appeared ready to put the game away in the third quarter.
The Aces opened up a 67-55 advantage, putting Indiana in a difficult position with the season hanging in the balance.
But the Fever refused to fold.
Las Vegas suddenly went cold offensively, making only one field goal over the final 4½ minutes of the third quarter.
That gave Indiana an opening.
The Fever twice pulled within two points during the fourth quarter, forcing the Aces to withstand one final push from the young Indiana team.
But every time the Fever threatened to seize control, Las Vegas found an answer.
The defending champions eventually regained control and closed out the 11-point victory.
Talbot Sidelined by Injury
The Aces entered the decisive game without Stephanie Talbot, who had started all but one game during the regular season.
Talbot was ruled out because of a leg injury and was replaced in the starting lineup by Loyd.
Talbot had contributed 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds during the first two games of the series, making her absence another challenge for Las Vegas.
Aces coach Becky Hammon said Talbot’s availability became a game-time decision.
“She was a game-time decision,” Hammon said. “I just told her, ‘You’ve got to do what’s best for your body.’ Her assignment in this particular game is such a huge one if she’s not at 100%, I need to see somebody at 100%.”
Hammon acknowledged that Talbot was disappointed that she couldn’t take the court.
“I know she was heartbroken she couldn’t get out there and physically get it done,” Hammon said.
Hammon also said she did not yet know what Talbot’s status would be for the next round.
Another Postseason Victory for Las Vegas
The Aces have built their identity around performing when the stakes are highest, and Thursday night was another example.
Wilson supplied the superstar performance. Gray provided veteran leadership. Young filled the stat sheet. And when Indiana made its final push, Las Vegas found enough offense and defense to close the door.
For the Fever, the loss ends another promising season and another playoff appearance against one of the WNBA’s established powers.
For the Aces, the championship pursuit continues.
Las Vegas now waits for its next opponent.
One thing is already clear: if the Aces are going to make another run at the WNBA championship, Wilson has once again shown that she is ready to lead the way.
