LAS VEGAS — A spot in the WNBA semifinals is on the line as the Las Vegas Aces host the Indiana Fever in a decisive Game 3 on Thursday. The third-seeded Aces, who are the defending champions, welcome the sixth-seeded Fever to Michelob Ultra Arena following a split in the first two games of the series.
Indiana kept its season alive with a 99-89 victory over Las Vegas on Tuesday in Indianapolis, evening the series at 1-1. The Aces have won three of the past four WNBA titles, while Indiana’s only championship came in 2012. Now, one team’s journey ends and the other’s continues.
Emotions have already flared throughout the series. During Game 2, Aces star A’ja Wilson confronted a fan near the basket, an incident that led to her ejection. However, the league announced Thursday that neither Wilson nor any other Aces player would face additional discipline for the confrontation.
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Can Indiana Maintain Defensive Intensity?
During the regular season, the Fever ranked ninth in defensive rating (110.3), while the Aces were fifth (107.2). Las Vegas dominated defensively in Game 1, forcing Indiana to elevate its intensity in Game 2 to stay alive. The Fever responded by limiting the Aces to just 17 points in each of the second and third quarters, despite allowing 31 points from Jackie Young.
“I thought we played with a back-against-the-wall desperation that you need to play with at playoff time,” said Indiana coach Stephanie White. “We’ve got to bring that same energy again.”
Wilson’s Performance Under Pressure
It’s uncommon to see Wilson lose her composure, but Tuesday’s game showcased some visible frustration. She finished with 24 points on 5-of-11 shooting but was nearly flawless from the free-throw line at 12-of-13 attempts. As the league’s leading scorer during the regular season and one of the most clutch performers in WNBA history, Wilson’s ability to stay composed under pressure will be crucial for Las Vegas.
Guard Play Could Determine Series Outcome
The backcourt duo of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell delivered a standout performance for Indiana in Game 2. Clark tallied 27 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds, while Mitchell added 26 points. Both starters were backed up by strong contributions from reserves Lexie Hull and rookie Raven Johnson, whose energy sparked a comeback from a 26-18 first-quarter deficit.
Beyond the guards, Aliyah Boston’s impact cannot be overlooked. After a slow start on Tuesday, she finished with 22 points—the highest scoring output of her season since matching that total on August 22.
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Stopping Young and the Aces’ Supporting Cast
Jackie Young has been nearly unstoppable thus far, accumulating 52 points and 15 assists across the first two games. Alongside Wilson and Chelsea Gray, Young forms part of a veteran core that has claimed three WNBA championships together. While much focus falls on this dominant trio, role players like Stephanie Talbot (nine points, five rebounds in Game 2) and bench contributors Jewell Loyd and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus add depth to Las Vegas’ roster.
ESPN’s Kareem Copeland and Michael Voepel are providing live coverage from courtside, offering analysis, updates, and highlights as the action unfolds.
