The Las Vegas Aces showcased their strength and resilience as they overcame the injury-plagued yet tenacious Indiana Fever in a thrilling five-period matchup. The Aces clinched a spot in the WNBA Finals with a hard-fought 107-98 overtime victory on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. This win marks their return to the finals for the third time in four seasons, a testament to the team's depth and experience.
With their semifinal triumph, the Aces are set to face the Phoenix Mercury in a best-of-seven championship series, starting with Game 1 on Friday. The Mercury advanced to the finals by upsetting the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, who were aiming to return to the finals for consecutive seasons. The Aces are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, especially considering the Mercury's impressive performance in the semifinals.
In a game defined by clutch moments, Aces star A’ja Wilson delivered a remarkable performance, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and four blocks. Her all-around contributions were crucial in ensuring the Aces' victory and a spot in the finals. Joining her was guard Jackie Young, who also had a standout game, scoring 32 points and providing 10 assists while shooting 50% from the field. Notably, Young and Wilson made history as the first duo in WNBA playoff history to both score 30 or more points in the same game.
Adding to the excitement, guard Chelsea Gray stepped up in overtime, contributing eight of her 17 points during the extra period, including two critical three-pointers. Jewell Loyd’s presence on the boards was also significant, as she grabbed four offensive rebounds, ensuring that every possession counted in a match that was tight until the end.
The Phoenix Mercury, returning to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021, have undergone significant changes in their roster, with only two players remaining from last year's squad. The departure of stars Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner paved the way for a new Big Three formed by Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper. This new trio has shown their potential, especially during their semifinals series against the Lynx, where they outscored Minnesota 56-30 in the fourth quarters of Games 2 and 3, and 31-13 in Game 4.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon remains focused on the upcoming finals, anticipating a challenging yet enjoyable series against the Mercury. Hammon provided the team with a day off on Wednesday, but by noon the preparations for the finals were set to ramp up. During the regular season, the Aces held a 3-1 advantage over the Mercury, but with Phoenix hitting their stride, the experience gained from previous games could play a pivotal role in the championship series.
This season's journey to the finals has been unique for the Aces. They faced adversity early on, finishing the All-Star break with a losing record for the first time since Wilson's rookie season in 2018. However, they turned their season around spectacularly, closing the regular season with a record-setting 16-game winning streak—an unprecedented accomplishment in league history. “It does definitely feel a lot different than the ones before only because we went through the mud for this one,” Wilson stated, reflecting on the team's resilience.
Despite the loss, the Indiana Fever displayed tremendous heart throughout the semifinals, pushing the Aces to the brink in the decisive Game 5. The Fever's season was marred by injuries, including the loss of standout player Caitlin Clark. Coach Stephanie White praised her team’s spirit, highlighting their determination and unity in the face of challenges. “They’re a great example of what it means to just put one foot in front of the other, to persevere, and to sacrifice for a great good,” White expressed.
As the Aces move on to the finals, their remarkable journey and performances will undoubtedly be a point of focus as they prepare to battle the Mercury for the championship. The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination in the WNBA Finals.
