The Las Vegas Aces have punched their ticket to the WNBA Finals, overcoming a tenacious Indiana Fever squad in a thrilling 107-98 overtime victory. This hard-fought win on Tuesday night at Michelob Ultra Arena, which clinched their Game 5 semifinals series, sets the stage for the Aces to potentially secure their third championship in just four seasons—a remarkable feat not witnessed in the league since the Minnesota Lynx's formidable run of four titles between 2011 and 2017.
The victory was powered by a historic offensive display from reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson and dynamic guard Jackie Young. Wilson delivered a phenomenal 35 points and 8 rebounds, shooting an efficient 13-of-27 from the field. Young complemented her with an impressive 32 points and 10 assists. Together, they made WNBA history as the first pair of teammates to each score over 30 points in a single playoff game. This also marked Wilson's eighth career 30-point playoff outing, tying a league record, and her second 35-point performance in a decisive contest.
Despite the Aces squandering a significant late-game lead that allowed the Fever to force overtime, it was veteran Chelsea Gray who seized control in the extra period. Gray, alongside Jewell Lloyd, ignited the Aces with consecutive three-pointers, before Gray herself drilled an improbable off-balance shot as the shot clock expired. Her clutch play culminated in a crucial layup, extending Las Vegas's lead to six points with just over a minute remaining, effectively sealing the nine-point triumph.
Awaiting the Aces in the WNBA Finals will be the Phoenix Mercury, who secured their spot by defeating the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4 on Sunday, amidst coach Cheryl Reeve’s suspension. This marks Phoenix’s first Finals appearance since 2021, with their last championship banner raised in 2014 under then-head coach Sandy Brondello. Basketball fans can tune in for Game 1 of the best-of-seven WNBA Finals on Friday night at 8 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.
The first half saw the Aces attempt to establish dominance multiple times, yet the resilient Fever consistently countered. Despite committing nine turnovers in the initial 20 minutes, Indiana managed to keep the deficit to a mere two points entering halftime. Las Vegas began to create separation in the third quarter, briefly holding a seven-point advantage, but play was abruptly halted by a frightening knee injury to Fever star Kelsey Mitchell.
After hitting a three-pointer on the offensive end, Mitchell collapsed under the basket during a stoppage. Players and staff quickly converged, shielding the scene with towels as she remained down for an extended period. Though she declined a stretcher, Mitchell was assisted off the court, unable to put weight on her leg, and was swiftly ruled out of the game. She had led her team with 15 points at the time. The alarming sight of Mitchell's injury appeared to momentarily dampen the Fever's spirits, but their resolve quickly returned.
The Aces extended their lead to eight points by the quarter's close, but Indiana mounted a furious comeback in the fourth. Odyssey Sims spearheaded their charge, hitting a short bank shot and later sinking two free throws with under a minute left to tie the game. The Fever’s impressive 21-13 fourth-quarter run had erased the Aces’ comfortable cushion.
The final moments of regulation were a flurry of action. Jackie Young missed a potential go-ahead layup but drew a crucial foul on Aliyah Boston in the scramble for the rebound. The call, upheld after a challenge, resulted in Boston’s sixth foul, sending her to the bench. Young converted both free throws, only for Sims to immediately respond with an uncontested layup on the other end. Young then missed a last-second shot attempt, pushing the game into a thrilling overtime.
Beyond Mitchell’s early exit, Sims shone for Indiana with 27 points and 6 assists on 7-of-14 shooting. Aliyah Boston contributed a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out, while Lexie Hull added 12 points and 7 rebounds, despite struggling from beyond the arc. The Fever have battled a challenging season marred by injuries, including the long-term absence of star Caitlin Clark. Mitchell’s late-game injury only compounded their difficulties, making their valiant effort to reach the Finals even more commendable, though ultimately unsuccessful.
While the Aces may not have sustained the overwhelming dominance displayed during their 16-game regular season win streak, their ability to navigate adversity and secure a berth in yet another championship series underscores their elite talent and championship mettle.
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Originally published at: https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/live/wnba-playoffs-2025-aja-wilson-aces-fend-off-fever-in-overtime-to-reach-wnba-finals-003009582.html
