In a decisive Game 3 of the first‑round WNBA playoffs, the Las Vegas Aces secured a 94‑83 victory over the Indiana Fever, ending Indiana’s season for the second consecutive year. The win moves the Aces into the second round, where they will await the winner of the Golden State‑Dallas series.
Aces dominate with star power
A’ja Wilson led the charge for Las Vegas, delivering a stellar 36 points and 10 rebounds. Wilson’s scoring burst began early, as she tallied 21 points in the first half and shot an efficient 11‑of‑18 from the field. Her performance anchored the Aces’ offense and set the tone for a game that would become increasingly physical.
Supporting Wilson, Las Vegas teammates contributed key minutes. Brianna Turner, who earned a technical foul early in the contest, helped the Aces maintain defensive intensity. The team’s depth allowed them to respond to every Fever surge, preserving a comfortable margin throughout the second half.
Fever fight back but fall short
Indiana’s offense was anchored by Kelsey Mitchell, who posted 23 points, and Aliyah Boston, who added 19 points and 10 rebounds. Caitlin Clark, the league’s rising star, managed 18 points, including an early 11‑point first quarter, but was limited to just seven points over the final three quarters as the Aces tightened their defense.
The Fever stayed within striking distance after a 12‑point third‑quarter deficit, cutting the lead to two points twice in the fourth quarter. However, each time the Aces answered, preserving their lead and ultimately sealing the win.
Physical play sets the tone
The game turned physical early, with both Clark and Turner receiving technical fouls just over three minutes in. The early confrontations underscored the intensity of a playoff series that has become a familiar rivalry for the two teams.
Despite the Fever’s efforts, the Aces’ experience in high‑stakes games proved decisive. Las Vegas has now captured three of the last four WNBA championships, a testament to their sustained excellence and depth.
Looking ahead
With the series concluded, the Aces will turn their focus to the next round, preparing to meet either the Golden State Warriors or the Dallas Wings, depending on the outcome of that series. The victory adds momentum to a franchise that has consistently performed at the highest level of women’s professional basketball.
For Indiana fans, the loss marks another early exit, but the Fever’s young core—particularly Clark, Mitchell, and Boston—gains valuable playoff experience that could pay dividends in future seasons.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
