Fever Shocks Aces: Mitchell Shines, Wilson Dim in MVP

Fever Shocks Aces in Semifinals Game One

In a game marked by the celebration of A’ja Wilson’s fourth MVP award, the Indiana Fever silenced the Las Vegas Aces fans, taking an unexpected victory in the first game of the WNBA semifinals. The Fever, seeded number 6, defeated the Aces, number 2, with a score of 89-73. This victory represents only the second loss for the current champions in their last 20 games and snatches a valuable home win from them. The result on Sunday became the biggest upset in the WNBA semifinals or later stages since 2017, according to betting odds. The 16-point difference suffered by the Aces was the largest in any game since their 53-point loss to the Lynx on August 2, prior to their 17-game winning streak. Furthermore, it was the biggest home defeat in the playoffs since Game 2 of the 2021 semi-finals and the biggest defeat in any playoff game since Game 3 of the 2022 Finals.

They played with a greater sense of urgency. We couldn’t keep up.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever star, led her team with 34 points, the most for a WNBA semifinal debut and the second-most in Fever playoff history.

We clearly didn’t have an answer for Mitchell. It seemed like she was making every shot… She had a lucky night and we let her play.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

The Fever controlled the game from the first quarter, taking advantage of their speed and outplaying the Aces in transition. In addition to Mitchell, Odyssey Sims (17 points) and Natasha Howard (12 points, 11 rebounds) contributed significantly, achieving 50% field goal accuracy, compared to Las Vegas’ 41%.

We wanted to be aggressive from the start, making sure to dictate on defense and in terms of pace.

Stephanie White, Fever coach

Jackie Young from Las Vegas commented that they didn’t have the rhythm or energy of the Fever, and that they needed to change that for the next game.

Although the Aces got within three points late in the third quarter, Indiana responded with a 13-0 run that practically sealed the game. The Fever led for 33 minutes, including the entire second half.

The Indiana, which has overcome the absence of Caitlin Clark and five other players due to injury, has won three consecutive playoff games, including two elimination matchups in the first round, and six of its last seven, continuing its unexpected streak.

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 moment we can and we won’t, so I’m proud of our group.

Kelsey Mitchell, Fever player

Mitchell’s outstanding performance, including a crucial three-pointer at the end of the third quarter to put Indiana up by 14 points, was the most memorable of his brilliant postseason. His 104 points in these playoffs are the most in a four-game span in franchise playoff history.

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

There have been many times this season when she has carried us on her shoulders and led us… She’s a relentless shooter.

Stephanie White, Fever coach

While the Aces fought on defense, Wilson also had a quiet night. Although he achieved a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds at halftime, he only converted 6 of 22 field goals and scored only four points in the second half. According to statistics, Wilson had her worst field goal percentage against Indiana’s Aliyah Boston in a playoff game in the last five seasons. Hammon felt that her team was “ultra, ultra stagnant” offensively, and that, although Wilson usually recovers well from bad games, “it depends on the rest of us to support her.” Your next opportunity will be in Game 2 on Tuesday night.