Fever Shocks Aces in WNBA Semifinals Opener
In a game marked by the celebration of A’ja Wilson’s fourth MVP award, the Indiana Fever silenced the Las Vegas Aces fans before the final whistle. The sixth-seeded Indiana defeated the second-seeded Las Vegas with a score of 89-73 in the first game of the best-of-five semifinal series. This victory represents the second defeat of the current champions in their last 20 games and robs them of the home-court advantage. The Fever, who started as underdogs by 8.5 points, achieved the biggest upset in the WNBA semifinals or later playoff stages since 2017. The 16-point difference against the Aces was the largest since their 53-point loss to the Lynx on August 2, and also the widest home playoff loss since the second game of the 2021 semifinals.Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 34 points, the most for a WNBA semifinal debut and the second most in franchise playoff history.They played with a greater sense of urgency. We couldn’t match their pace.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
Indiana controlled the game from the start, imposing a fast pace and outperforming the Aces in transition. In addition to Mitchell, Odyssey Sims (17 points) and Natasha Howard (12 points, 11 rebounds) also had outstanding performances. Indiana had 50% field goal accuracy, compared to 41% for Las Vegas.Clearly, we had no answer for Mitchell. It seemed like every shot he took went in… He had a hot night and we let him get hot.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
The Aces managed to get within three points in the third quarter, but Indiana responded with a 13-0 run that sealed the victory. The Fever led for 33 minutes, including the entire second half.We wanted to come in and be the aggressors right away, making sure to dictate on the defensive end and from a pace standpoint.
Stephanie White, Fever coach
Without star Caitlin Clark and five other players due to injuries, Indiana has won three consecutive playoff games, including two in which they faced elimination in the first round, and six of their last seven, continuing their unexpected postseason run.
Mitchell’s outstanding performance, which included a crucial three-pointer at the end of the third quarter to put Indiana up by 14, marked the most memorable performance in his brilliant postseason. His 104 points in these playoffs are the most in a four-game span in franchise playoff history.Our group was incredible. We were resilient. They went on a run at the end of the first quarter, and I think that was important for us because we didn’t fold. At any point we can and we won’t, so I’m proud of our group.
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player
I’m just trying to keep it in basketball. I think what they see is that I’m just trying to be a kid on the playground, I guess.
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player
Despite the Aces’ defensive struggles, Wilson also had a night below her standards. Although she had 12 points and 11 rebounds at halftime, she only made 6 of 22 field goals overall and scored only four points in the second half. According to ESPN Tracking and GeniusIQ, Wilson went 2-of-11 against Indiana’s Aliyah Boston, his worst field goal percentage against a defender in a playoff game in the last five seasons. Hammon considered her team to be “ultra, ultra stagnant” offensively, and although Wilson usually recovers well from bad games, “it depends on the rest of us to provide support”. The next match between both teams will be on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.There have been many times this season where she’s carried us on her shoulders and taken us… She’s a tough shooter.
Stephanie White, Fever coach
