Unforgettable! Aces Storm Past Fever in OT Thriller to Punch WNBA Finals Ticket!
You could feel it in the air. That buzzing, electric tension that only a Game 5, winner take all scenario can bring. And tonight, under the bright lights of Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Las Vegas Aces delivered a performance that will be etched into WNBA history. In an absolute heart stopping, overtime epic, the Aces overcame a resilient Indiana Fever squad, securing a thrilling 107-98 victory and, with it, a trip back to the WNBA Finals!
A Battle of Wills: Every Possession Mattered
From the opening tip, it was clear this wasn't going to be easy. The Fever, fighting for their playoff lives, brought an intensity that matched the Aces' own. The lead changed hands 13 times, the score was tied 16 times. A testament to the sheer grit and determination on both sides. Every dribble, every pass, every shot felt like it held the weight of the entire season. The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster, with the Fever making crucial runs, knotting the score at 84 all with just 52 seconds left. The tension was palpable. A couple of missed layups in the final seconds sent the game to overtime.
The Aces Big Three Delivered When It Counted Most
Champions respond, and the Aces are built on star power. Tonight, that power exploded. The incredible Big Three of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray absolutely took over, combining for a mind boggling 84 points!
A'ja Wilson wasn't just great; the performance was historic. Her stat line of 35 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks was unprecedented in WNBA postseason history. Wilson willed the team through crucial stretches, making play after incredible play on both ends of the court.
Photo Credit: Maava Lerma
Jackie Young stepped up with a monstrous performance, dropping a playoff career high 32 points and pulling down 10 rebounds for a vital double double. Her energy and scoring were absolutely critical to the victory.
And then there's Chelsea Gray. While her 17 points were huge, it was her clutch play in overtime that truly sealed the deal. Gray knocked down two huge three pointers in overtime, leading all scorers in the extra period with 8 points, and providing the steady hand the team needed to pull away.
Photo Credit: Maava Lerma
Wilson and Young also became the first set of teammates in WNBA Playoff history to both score 30+ points in the same game! That's not just winning; that's making history.
Sealing the Deal: The Overtime Surge
When overtime began, it felt like the entire arena took a collective deep breath. But the Aces wasted no time, hitting three crucial triples early to establish a 9-4 run. The Fever made one last push, narrowing the gap to two points, but Las Vegas' experience and composure shone through. Free throws, a clutch Gray layup, and stifling defense shut the door, with the Aces outscoring Indiana 21-12 in the extra five minutes. Pure, unadulterated clutch factor.
What's Next: The WNBA Finals!
After a hard fought series against a truly talented Fever team, the journey continues! The Las Vegas Aces are officially heading back to the WNBA Finals for the third time in four years!
The next challenge: The Phoenix Mercury. The Aces will open the best of seven series with home court advantage. Get ready, fans!
Game 1 is set for Friday, Oct. 3rd at 5 pm PT on ESPN at Michelob ULTRA Arena!
This team fights, this team inspires, and this team is hungry. The championship is within reach!
Photo Credit: Maava Lerma