In a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night, the Las Vegas Aces secured a 94‑83 victory over the Indiana Fever, advancing to the next round of the WNBA playoffs. A’ja Wilson, the four‑time league MVP, posted 36 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the Aces’ offense and defense.
Wilson’s dominant night
Wilson opened the game with a flurry, scoring 21 points in the first half and shooting 11‑of‑18 overall. After a verbal encounter with a Fever fan two nights earlier, she said she chose to pray and focus on the game, refusing to let the distraction affect her team. “I have my moments because I’m human,” Wilson said, “but I knew what we had to do tonight and put it behind me.”
Supporting cast steps up
Teammates added crucial contributions. Chelsea Gray added 23 points, while Jackie Young contributed 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. The Aces also received a boost from Jewell Loyd, who filled in for injured forward Stephanie Talbot and scored 11 points.
Fever struggles
Indiana’s leading scorer, Kelsey Mitchell, managed 23 points on 7‑of‑23 shooting, and Caitlin Clark was limited to 11 points after a strong first quarter. Clark also suffered a mouth injury in the fourth quarter that required medical attention.
Physical intensity and technical fouls
The game featured the usual playoff intensity, with both teams receiving technical fouls early. Clark and Aces forward Brianna Turner each picked up a technical three minutes into the contest, and Indiana coach Stephanie White was also flagged for a technical after a disputed call involving Lexie Hull.
Series outlook
With the series now decided, the third‑seeded Aces move on to face the winner of the Golden State‑Dallas matchup, set to be determined Friday night in San Francisco. The Aces have captured three of the past four championships and look to add another title.
Coach Hammon on injuries
Coach Becky Hammon noted that Talbot’s leg injury kept her out of the game and called her a “game‑time decision” moving forward. “You’ve got to do what’s best for your body,” Hammon said, emphasizing the need for players to be at 100 percent in such high‑stakes games.
The Aces’ victory underscores their depth and experience, positioning them as a formidable contender as the playoffs progress.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
