By: Betty Cantley
LAS VEGAS, NV – The Indiana Fever continued their improbable playoff run by defeating the top-seeded Las Vegas Aces 89-73 in Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals on Sunday. The win gives the Fever a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell had a sensational performance, scoring a playoff career-high 34 points. She was the best player on the court, shooting an efficient 12-of-23 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. Her scoring tally was the second-highest in Fever franchise playoff history.
The Fever’s defense was a major factor in the win, as they held the high-powered Aces offense to just 73 points. They limited newly crowned four-time MVP A’Ja Wilson to just 16 points on a tough 6-of-22 shooting.
It was a team effort, the Fever got significant contributions from their entire lineup. Odyssey Sims added 17 points, while Natasha Howard recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Aliyah Boston also had a strong performance with 6 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Aces’ offense struggled they were celebrating Wilson’s MVP award before the game, struggled to find their rhythm. They shot just 40.8% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range. Outside of Jackie Young’s 19 points, no other Ace was able to provide consistent offense.
The Fever win spoils the Aces’ home-court advantage and puts them in a commanding position in the series. The two teams will meet again for Game 2 on Tuesday in Las Vegas.