Fever Shocks Aces: Mitchell Shines, Wilson Dimmed in Defeat

Fever Shocks Aces in Game One of Semifinals

In a day marked by the celebration of A’ja Wilson’s fourth MVP award, the Indiana Fever achieved a surprising victory against the Las Vegas Aces in the first game of the WNBA semi-final series. The Fever, seeded number 6, defeated the seeded number 2, the Aces, with a score of 89-73, taking away home-court advantage from the current champions. The Aces’ defeat, who arrived with an impressive winning record, represented their second fall in the last 20 games. Sunday’s result became the biggest surprise in the WNBA playoff semifinals since 2017, according to betting. The 16-point difference suffered by the Aces was the widest since their 53-point loss to the Lynx on August 2. It was also the largest home playoff loss since the second game of the 2021 semifinals.

They played with a greater sense of urgency. We couldn’t match their pace.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

Kelsey Mitchell was the standout figure for the Fever, scoring 34 points, the most in a semi-final debut in WNBA history and the second-most in a playoff game for the Fever.

Clearly, we had no answer for Mitchell. He made all the shots… he had a hot night and we let him in.

Becky Hammon, Aces coach

The Fever dominated the game from the start, controlling the pace and outplaying the Aces in transition. In addition to Mitchell, Odyssey Sims (17 points) and Natasha Howard (12 points, 11 rebounds) contributed significantly. The Fever shot 50% from the field, compared to Las Vegas’ 41%.

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

Although the Aces got within three points in the third quarter, the Fever responded with a 13-0 run that sealed the victory. The Fever led for 33 minutes, including the entire second half. Indiana, which was without Caitlin Clark and five other players due to injuries, has won three consecutive playoff games, including two in which it faced elimination in the first round, and six of its last seven, continuing its unexpected postseason run.

Our group was incredible. We were resilient… I am proud of our group.

Kelsey Mitchell

Mitchell’s outstanding performance, including a crucial three-pointer at the end of the third quarter, marked his most memorable postseason performance. 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 focused on basketball. I think what they see is just me trying to be a little girl on the playground, I guess.

Kelsey Mitchell

There have been several times this season where she has carried us on her shoulders and led us… She’s a very tough shooter.

Stephanie White, Fever coach

Despite the Aces’ defensive issues, Wilson also had a quiet night. 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 statistics, Wilson had a low field goal percentage against Aliyah Boston of the Fever, the worst percentage against a defender in a playoff game in the last five seasons. Hammon opined that her team was “ultra, ultra stagnant” on offense, and that although Wilson usually recovers well from bad games, “it depends on the rest of us to give her support.” The next match between both teams will be on Tuesday.