A’ja Wilson Impacts Despite Low Offensive Output in Las Vegas Aces Victory
In an atypical encounter, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson failed to display her usual scoring ability. However, her influence on the game was undeniable, leading her team to a crucial victory. The Aces defeated the Indiana Fever with a score of 84-72 last Friday, solidifying a 2-1 lead in the semifinal series. With one more victory, Las Vegas would secure their place in the WNBA Finals for the third time in four years, seeking to revalidate the titles obtained in 2022 and 2023. The Aces’ triumph was built on the outstanding performance of Jackie Young, who contributed 25 points, along with 15 from Chelsea Gray and 16 from NaLyssa Smith. Dana Evans, from the bench, added 10 vital points. Even though Wilson only scored 13 points on 6-of-20 shooting, his lowest in these playoffs and far from his regular season average of 23.4 points, his defensive impact was crucial. Wilson’s defense was key in limiting the Fever to 35.6% shooting efficiency (26 of 73). Wilson and Smith, combined, held the Fever to just 4 of 22 shots (18%) when either of them contested the shot.Smith, with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks, stood out in the match. She was selected by the Fever in 2022 and played her first three seasons in Indiana before being traded to Dallas and, subsequently, to Las Vegas on June 30, a move that, according to her, restored her passion for basketball. Aces coach Becky Hammon noted that Wilson rushed in the first half but improved in the second. Hammon also highlighted Smith’s exploitation of the defensive attention focused on Wilson. Young, a key player in the 2022 and 2023 championships, came close to her personal playoff points record, with 9 of 14 shots, as well as 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Her defensive work was also fundamental in stopping Kelsey Mitchell, who led the Fever with 21 points. Lexie Hull, for her part, had Indiana’s most efficient game, with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Coach Stephanie White stated that the Fever know what they must do to win Game 4 and extend the series.“It just shows she’s human. We’re all going to have those tough games. That’s when we have to step up and support her… give a little more. But we still feed off of her. I told her at halftime, ‘We’re not going to win this game without you.’ So, even though her offense wasn’t where she wanted it to be, her defense was still there. She’s still that person we need on the court.”
NaLyssa Smith
