The field of teams moving on in the WNBA Playoffs is expanding.
The Indiana Fever prevailed over the Atlanta Dream to clear the initial playoff hurdle, alongside the Las Vegas Aces, who triumphed against the Seattle Storm.
Here’s a review of Thursday’s games, complete with an updated overview of the current playoff standings.
Indiana Fever defeated Atlanta Dream, 87-85
Las Vegas Aces defeated Seattle Storm, 74-73
No. 3 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever (Fever take series 2-1)
No. 4 Phoenix Mercury vs. No. 5 New York Liberty (Series stands at 1-1)
No. 2 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 7 Seattle Storm (Series level at 1-1)
No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 Golden State Valkyries (Minnesota secures series 2-0)
No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. To Be Determined
No. 6 Indiana Fever vs. No. 2 Las Vegas Aces
Indiana Fever 87, Atlanta Dream 85
After securing Game 3 on Thursday, Indiana marked their first playoff series victory since 2015.
Entering the series, the Dream were favored against the Fever, who played without Caitlin Clark. However, Indiana demonstrated resilience and a refusal to be underestimated. Following the Dream’s Game 1 victory, the Fever responded strongly with a 77-60 triumph in Game 2. Thursday’s contest was a tense affair decided in the closing moments.
Despite trailing throughout the entire fourth quarter, the Fever managed to narrow the deficit to just two points by the midpoint of the period. Subsequently, a layup by Lexie Hull brought them within a single point in the final minute. After securing a crucial defensive stop, Aliyah Boston put Indiana ahead at the opposite end of the court.
Following Boston’s significant basket, Hull showcased her defensive prowess by intercepting the inbound pass as Atlanta aimed to reclaim the lead. Odyssey Sims then converted one of two free throws, extending Indiana’s lead to two points. The Dream’s attempt at a game-winning shot fell short.
While Hull and Boston delivered crucial plays in the final moments, Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded the team’s efforts for much of the game, contributing 24 points. Boston concluded the game with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
With this victory, Indiana joins the Minnesota Lynx as one of the first teams to secure their place in the semifinal round. The Fever will now face the victor of the series between the Aces and Storm.
Las Vegas Aces 74, Seattle Storm 73
Following the closely contested match between the Fever and Dream, the Aces and Storm provided fans with yet another thrilling elimination game.
Although Las Vegas maintained control for the majority of the game, Seattle consistently kept the score within a manageable range, ensuring the lead remained at five points or fewer as they approached the final minutes.
Erica Wheeler of the Storm ultimately leveled the score at 66 apiece with 2:20 remaining. However, the Aces swiftly regained the lead on their subsequent possession. After further exchanges, veteran player Skylar Diggins landed a crucial three-pointer, putting Seattle ahead as they entered the final minute.
The Aces responded yet again with a layup from A’ja Wilson, retaking the lead. Las Vegas then secured a defensive stop, but failed to capitalize with a score, handing possession back to Seattle.
The Storm took advantage as Wheeler connected on a go-ahead jumper, making the score 73-72 with only 18 seconds left on the clock.
Wilson’s jump shot missed, but Jackie Young secured the tip-in, giving the Aces a narrow lead with just 12 seconds to go. Young’s basket would ultimately decide the game, as Seattle failed to score on their final possession.
While Young emerged as the hero of the moment, Wilson was recognized as the night’s MVP, delivering an outstanding 38-point performance.
Following their victory, the Aces advance to the semifinals for the sixth consecutive season. They are set to compete against the Fever for a coveted spot in the WNBA Finals.
