A’ja Wilson bounces back as Aces eliminate Fever, return to WNBA semifinals

The defending champions are headed back to the WNBA playoff semifinals. A’ja Wilson posted a game‑high 34 points to lead the Aces past the Indiana Fever 94‑83 in a decisive Game 3 on Thursday at Michelob Ultra Arena. Wilson, who has now surpassed 1,250 playoff points, sparked an offensive barrage that saw four Aces reach double figures, including Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, as Las Vegas notched its 11th playoff series win in the last five seasons. After tallying 22 points in Indianapolis while converting just five field‑goal attempts, Wilson followed up with a 61 percent shooting night, grabbed 10 rebounds, recorded a block and secured her 167th career double‑double. Besides Wilson, the other two members of the Aces’ “Big Three” contributed significantly: Chelsea Gray finished with 23 points and Jackie Young added 18 points, each hitting three three‑pointers. Young also dished out seven assists and pulled down eight rebounds, moving her past Tamika Catchings for ninth place on the all‑time playoff assists list with 227. Jewell Loyd chipped in three three‑pointers in her first postseason start, filling in for Stephanie Talbot, who was listed on the injury report before the game with a leg ailment and did not suit up. The victory pushed the Aces’ home‑court winning streak to five games and eliminated Caitlin Clark and the Fever from the playoffs for the second straight year. Las Vegas now stands at 30‑9 in playoff games during the Becky Hammon era and is one victory away from a fourth WNBA title in five seasons.