Aces Tie Series with Dominant Win Over Fever: Brutal Clash!

Hammon Criticizes Excessive Physical Intensity in the Aces-Fever Series

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon has expressed concern about the excessive roughness in the semi-final series against the Indiana Fever, after Las Vegas’ victory in the second game, tying the series at 1-1.

“You can push and grab a receiver in the NFL for the first five yards, but in the W you can do it the whole court. Putting both hands on someone like that should be an automatic foul. There is no freedom of movement, no freedom. And I’m not saying we don’t foul, I’m not saying that. I’m saying it’s out of control,” Hammon stated.

Becky Hammon

Hammon noted that the number of fouls has been a constant problem, with 41 called in Game 2, including 16 in the third quarter, and 27 in Game 1. The coach had previously criticized the roughness in the series between Fever and Dream, describing it as a “football game”. Fever coach Stephanie White also expressed her frustration with the officiating.

“It’s hard for us to get any flow when a foul is called every 10 seconds,” White said. “And when they’re at the free-throw line, we can’t get up and down the court, and that’s a challenge.”

Stephanie White

The players from both teams acknowledged the physical nature of the playoffs. Lexie Hull, from Indiana, commented:

“It feels like a physical game in every match. I feel like it’s been a physical season. I feel like I’ve been on the ground a little more in this series so far. We just keep getting up.”

Lexie Hull

NaLyssa Smith, from Las Vegas, added:

“Yes, it’s playoffs. Very physical games. I feel like we have to match the energy, day in and day out, and I feel like that’s what we did today.”

NaLyssa Smith

Caption: After a disappointing first game, the Aces increased their intensity to win a physical Game 2 on Tuesday night, in which 41 fouls were called.After a first game in which the Aces did not show their best level, Hammon urged her players to be more aggressive in Game 2. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks. Wilson, who recently won her fourth MVP award, said she was most ashamed of the team’s performance in Game 1. White, for his part, felt that his team reacted passively to the Aces’ intensity. The series moves to Indianapolis for games 3 and 4.