The Las Vegas Aces are poised to contest for the WNBA Championship once again.
In a captivating overtime showdown at Michelob Ultra Arena on Tuesday evening, the Aces triumphed over the Indiana Fever with a final score of 107-98, securing their victory in the Game 5 semifinals series. This triumph officially propels them into the WNBA Finals, where they are set to face the Phoenix Mercury in a best-of-seven series.
If the Aces, led by the league’s reigning MVP, A’ja Wilson, can clinch a victory, they will secure their third championship title within a four-season span. This level of dominance has been unseen in the league since the Minnesota Lynx achieved four titles in seven seasons between 2011 and 2017.
Wilson and Jackie Young delivered exceptional performances for Las Vegas, making history in the process. Wilson concluded the game with 35 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 13-of-27 from the field. Young contributed 32 points and 10 assists. Together, they became the first duo in WNBA history to each score 30 points in a single playoff game. Additionally, it marked Wilson’s eighth career 30-point playoff game, tying for the most in league history, and her second career 35-point performance in a crucial game.
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Despite the Aces allowing the Fever to rally from a significant deficit late in the game, Chelsea Gray took command during the overtime period. She and Jewell Lloyd both hit consecutive 3-pointers early in overtime, followed by another remarkable off-balance shot from Gray as the shot clock expired. Then, as the Fever attempted to stay in contention, Gray penetrated the defense and made a layup, giving the Aces a six-point advantage with just over a minute remaining. This proved sufficient to finally subdue the Fever and secure the nine-point victory.
The Mercury emerged victorious against the Lynx in Game 4 on Sunday, amidst the suspension of Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve, concluding that series. This outcome propelled the Mercury into their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2021. The team last clinched the Finals title in 2014 under the guidance of head coach Sandy Brondello.
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled for Friday night (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Fever rally to force OT after losing Kelsey Mitchell
The Aces made several attempts to establish a significant lead in the first half, but the Fever consistently responded, ultimately heading into the locker room trailing by only two points despite committing nine turnovers in the first 20 minutes.
The Aces finally began to gain momentum in the third quarter, briefly establishing a seven-point lead. However, the game was abruptly paused when Fever star Kelsey Mitchell suffered a concerning knee injury.
Mitchell, who was observed reaching for her knee after making a 3-pointer, suddenly collapsed near the basket during a break in play. Players and staff immediately rushed to the scene and shielded her with towels. She remained down for an extended period. Mitchell declined the use of a stretcher brought by paramedics and was assisted off the court, placing minimal weight on her leg. The Fever promptly ruled her out of the game. She had accumulated a team-high 15 points at the time of the injury.
This incident appeared to momentarily sap the Fever’s energy.
The Aces extended their lead to eight points by the end of the third quarter, but Indiana closed the gap to within a single possession just past the four-minute mark after Odyssey Sims made a short bank shot. Sims drew a foul and tied the game with two free throws with just under a minute remaining. The Fever had outscored the Aces 21-13 up to that point in the fourth quarter.
Despite Young missing a layup that would have put the Aces ahead, she drew a foul while attempting to secure the rebound against Aliyah Boston. The foul, upheld after a challenge, marked Boston’s sixth of the game, leading to her removal. Young converted both free throws, but Sims responded with an uncontested layup on the other end just four seconds later. Young then missed a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
Sims led Indiana with 27 points and 6 assists, shooting 7-of-14 from the field. Boston recorded 11 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out, and Lexie Hull contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 0-of-5 from beyond the arc.
The Fever have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, including the absence of star player Caitlin Clark for several months. While they remained competitive until nearly the end on Tuesday night, Mitchell’s injury would have further complicated their chances in the Finals had they advanced.
Despite not exhibiting the same level of dominance as during their 16-game winning streak to conclude the regular season, the Aces have managed to secure an opportunity to compete for another championship.
Here’s how Game 5 unfolded in real time:
