Fever Shocks Aces in Semifinals Game One
In a day marked by the celebration of A’ja Wilson’s fourth MVP award, the Indiana Fever spoiled the party for Las Vegas Aces fans, taking the victory in the first game of the semifinals. The match, which ended with a score of 89-73 in favor of the Fever, represented the Aces’ second loss in their last 20 games, taking away their home-court advantage. The betting houses predicted an Aces victory by 8.5 points, making the Fever’s triumph one of the biggest surprises in the WNBA semifinals since 2017. The 16-point difference suffered by the Aces is the largest since the 53-point loss to the Lynx on August 2, and the most lopsided in the playoffs since Game 3 of the 2022 Finals.Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 34 points, the most for a WNBA semi-final debut and the second highest in franchise playoff history.They played with more urgency. We couldn’t match their pace.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
The Fever dominated the game from the start, setting their pace and outperforming the Aces in transition. In addition to Mitchell, Odyssey Sims (17 points) and Natasha Howard (12 points, 11 rebounds) stood out. The Indiana team had a 50% field goal percentage, compared to 41% for Las Vegas.Clearly, we had no answer for Mitchell. He hit all the shots, it seemed… He had a hot night and we let him get hot.
Becky Hammon, Aces coach
We wanted to be the aggressors from the start to make sure we dictated on defense and from the pace.
Stephanie White, Fever coach
Although the Aces got within three points in the third quarter, Indiana responded with a 13-0 run that sealed the victory. The Fever led for 33 minutes, including the entire second half. Indiana, which did not have Caitlin Clark or five other players due to injuries, has won three consecutive playoff games, including two facing elimination in the first round, and six of its last seven, extending its unexpected postseason run.We didn’t have the same rhythm as them, the energy they had… We have to change that for the next game.
Jackie Young, Aces player
Mitchell’s outstanding performance, including a crucial three-pointer at the end of the third quarter, was the most memorable part of his brilliant postseason. His 104 points in these playoffs are the most in a four-game span in franchise history.Our team was incredible. We were resilient. They made a run at the end of the [first] quarter, and I think that was important for us because we didn’t fold. At any moment we can and we won’t, so I’m proud of our team.
Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player
I’m just trying to focus on 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 issues, Wilson also had a quiet night. Although she managed 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 Aliyah Boston, Wilson’s worst field goal percentage against a defender in a playoff game in the last five seasons. Hammon considered that her team was “ultra, ultra stagnant” on offense, and although Wilson usually recovers well from bad games, “it depends on us to give her support”. The next match between both teams will be on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.There have been many times this season when she’s carried us on her shoulders, and she’s taken us… She’s a difficult shot maker.
Stephanie White, Fever coach
