Full Breakdown
A’ja Wilson Leads Las Vegas Aces to Dominant Game 1 Victory Over Indiana Fever
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Game Overview
In the opening contest of the first-round series of the 2026 WNBA playoffs, the No. 3-seed Las Vegas Aces defeated the No. 6-seed Indiana Fever 102–85, taking a 1-0 lead. Wilson posted a double-double with 38 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks and two steals while shooting 15-of-19 (75 %). The Aces built a 62-47 halftime lead after a 26-point second-quarter run and never relinquished control, out-scoring the Fever by as many as 27 points in the second half.
Background & Context
The Aces entered the postseason as defending champions with a 31-13 record. Wilson, a four-time MVP, had just earned her third straight AP WNBA Player of the Year award. The Fever earned the sixth seed after a late-season surge and had split the regular-season series with the Aces, winning two of three meetings.
Data & Statistics
- A’ja Wilson: 38 points (career playoff high), 16 rebounds (career playoff high), 4 blocks, 2 steals, 75 % shooting (15-of-19).
- Historic Milestone: First player in WNBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and 75 % shooting in a game.
- Team Shooting: Aces 59 % overall (102 of 173), 54 % from three (9-of-19). Fever 40.7 % overall, 38.7 % from three (12-of-31).
- Rebounding: Aces held a 31-24 advantage.
- Turnovers: Indiana committed 18 turnovers, 28 of which were converted into Aces points.
- Supporting Performances: Jackie Young added 21 points and 10 assists; Chelsea Gray contributed eight assists, moving her to second on the WNBA all-time playoff assists list.
Official Statements & Responses
Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised Wilson’s impact, calling the performance “a clinic tonight.” The league’s official statistical record confirmed Wilson’s historic stat line as a first in league history.
On-the-Ground Reports
Rookie guard Raven Johnson delivered an aggressive 14-point effort that helped the Fever trim a 21-point deficit late in the third quarter. The Fever could not overcome the Aces’ defensive pressure, which limited the trio of Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark to 11 of 27 field goals in the first half.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's my job, Holly, it's what I do,” — A’ja Wilson
What’s Next
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. PT in Indianapolis. The Fever will look to capitalize on Johnson and bench scorer Sophie Cunningham, while the Aces aim to sustain the momentum generated by Wilson’s historic showing.