Round two of this pivotal back-to-back sequence takes place tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as the Indiana Fever seek to make up for a tough defeat against the Las Vegas Aces and even the score.
To do it, though, they'll have to get past A'Ja Wilson. On Wedneday, Wilson came back from an ankle injury to put up 27 points and take control of the game down the stretch. Indiana's chances, meanwhile, will depend on rebound games from both Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, both of whom submitted subpar results.
Game Details
Fixture: Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever
Date and Time: September 13, 2024 @ 7:30 EST
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Las Vegas Aces Team Review
The Aces needed a win against the Fever after dropping their previous contest with the Liberty without A'ja Wilson, but the MVP candidate made her return on Wednesday in a big way. Her stat line was included 27 points, 12 boards, two assists and two steals--oh, and just for good measure she set the all-time record for points in a single season, breaking the old mark of 939 with a running jumper just before the half.
Her efforts were supported by Vegas's tough defense, which stifled Clark on the perimeter and Boston in the paint. Clark ended up shooting just 6 for 22, and she was worse from beyond the arc, hitting just 1 of 10.
Wilson didn't need much help with her overall game, but she did need some scoring support. Kelsey Plum delivered with some big shots in the third, and Alysha Clark stepped up to add 14, shooting 4 for 6 from both the field and beyond the arc. The Aces won this one with their tough defense, but they'll need someone to join Wilson with a big night in the scoring department.
Indiana Fever Team Review
The lone bright spot for Indiana was Kelsey Mitchell, who was hot all night long. She ended up with 24, and Mitchell was especially good from beyond the arc, going 4 for 7.
Unfortunately for Indiana, though, Mitchell didn't get a lot of help. Clark had one of her worst statistical games in recent memory, shooting 6 for 22 to get just 16 point. She was worse from beyond the arc, hitting just 1 of 10, and five turnovers made her evening even rougher.
The game also got chippy at times, and there was plenty of unhappiness with the officiating. Clark took an elbow to the mouth at one point, and the benches nearly emptied late when Aces coach Becky Hammon went off on the refs and got T'd up accordingly.
The Fever know that better shooting is the key to setting the tone and pace tonight, but doing that is easier said than done. They'll be up against playoff-level defense against Las Vegas, and meeting the challenge would help them check an important box as they head toward the real thing in another ten days or so.
Who to Watch
Las Vegas Aces
Every game Wilson plays is riveting these days, especially with the playoffs approaching. She's been carrying the team offensively, and while her teammates have been playing tough defense, one thing to keep an eye on is who steps up to help her with the scoring load.
Plum is one candidate. She's a streak shooter who can light it up when she gets going, so she'll be someone to watch as Wilson has to deal with the extra defenders the Fever are sure to throw at her.
Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark is the obvious name here, but we'll go against the grain and single out Aliyah Boston here. She's often the key to offensive balance for Indiana, doing tough work on the pick-and-roll to help Clark and Mitchell get it going from the perimeter. Six points isn't going to get it done given what Wilson is doing inside for the Aces, and Indiana needs her to deliver double figures in the points column.