Las Vegas Aces star and reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson proved once again why she is the best player in the WNBA.
Wilson, named AP Player of the Year for the third straight season, posted playoff career highs of 38 points and 16 rebounds as the Aces routed the Fever 102-85 in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round series at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Sunday.
Game 2 is Tuesday night in Indiana.
Wilson, who had 22 points in the first half, dominated on Sunday. She went 15-for-19 from the field, including 2-for-2 from deep. Wilson also added four blocks and two steals.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon loved what Wilson did in Game 1 against the Fever.
“She understands the stakes always,” Hammon said. “She was a clinic tonight; she was just all over the court everywhere. Defensive end, offensive end, blocks, steals, boards, scoring. There was nothing she didn’t do tonight.”
Jackie Young added a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, and Chelsea Gray added 14 points and eight assists.
The Aces led by 15 points at halftime, and they had their largest lead of 27 points in the third quarter.
Las Vegas shot 59% from the field.
Indiana had five players finish with double-digit scoring, led by Aliyah Boston’s 18 points. Caitlin Clark, Indiana’s second-leading scorer, recorded a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists.
The Fever’s leading scorer, Kelsey Mitchell, had only 12 points.
Indiana was overwhelmed and, like most teams in the league, had no answer for Wilson. The Fever must regroup at home and try to keep their season alive in Game 2.
