Las Vegas Aces showcased their dominance in a convincing 99-80 victory over the Indiana Fever, led by A'ja Wilson's stellar performance of 29 points and 15 rebounds. Wilson, a two-time league MVP, displayed her prowess on the court by making 12 of 18 shots and achieving her fourth consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound game, tying a WNBA record.
Rookie Caitlin Clark, often hailed as the future of the WNBA, had a quieter night with eight points on 2-of-8 shooting. Despite her subdued performance, Clark contributed seven assists and five rebounds but also had six turnovers, marking her lowest scoring game as a professional player.
For the Aces, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum added significant firepower with 22 and 20 points, respectively. Rookie Kate Martin, a close friend and former teammate of Clark, had a standout game with a personal-high 12 points, showcasing her potential in the league.
The game featured a lineup of top talents, including five No. 1 draft picks and the top four women's scorers in NCAA Division I history. The matchup drew an enthusiastic crowd of 10,399, just shy of the Aces' attendance record at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Las Vegas' strong performance was a rebound from their previous loss to the Phoenix Mercury, with Wilson emphasizing the team's renewed focus on defense. The Aces' solid play was evident as they outscored the Fever 22-10 in the second quarter and closed out the third quarter with an 11-3 run to secure a commanding lead.
Looking ahead, the Fever will host the Los Angeles Sparks, while the Aces will embark on a three-game road trip starting with a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. The WNBA season continues to showcase thrilling matchups and exceptional talent, with teams gearing up for intense competition in the coming games.
Sources: AP WNBA