The Las Vegas Aces secured their spot in the WNBA semifinals after defeating the Indiana Fever 94-83 in Game 3 of their first-round series on Thursday. This victory in the best-of-three matchup allowed the third-seeded Aces to advance and continue their championship defense.
Leading the charge was four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who delivered a standout performance with 36 points and 10 rebounds. Her effort was instrumental in containing the Fever’s key players, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, limiting them to a combined shooting percentage below 34% from the field.
Reflecting on her performance, Wilson emphasized her commitment to both her team and opponents: “I was just trying to send a message not only to the Indiana Fever but to my teammates. We kept saying, ‘Empty the tank.’”
Golden State and Dallas Set for Decisive Game 3
With their series wrapped up, Las Vegas now awaits the winner of the intense matchup between the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries and the seventh-seeded Dallas Wings. These teams face off in a winner-take-all Game 3 tonight, with the victor earning the right to challenge the Aces in the semifinals.
Golden State is striving for its first-ever semifinal appearance but suffered a setback in Game 2, losing in overtime due to a late-game surge from Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale. The Valkyries are focusing on defense ahead of the crucial game, with guard Gabby Williams stating, “We’re not here to trade baskets with people, we’re a defensive team. We need to get stops.”
The decisive Game 3 between Golden State and Dallas is scheduled for tonight at 9 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.