The Las Vegas Aces faced an unexpected challenge from the undermanned Indiana Fever in Game 5, despite several Fever players sidelined and Kelsey Mitchell exiting due to leg cramps. Ultimately, the Aces prevailed in overtime with a 107-98 victory, securing a spot in the WNBA Finals for the third time in four years. A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young made history by becoming the first playoff teammates to each score over 30 points in a game.
After finishing the regular season on a 16-game winning streak, the Aces were tested by Seattle in the first round and then by the resilient Indiana team. The Aces, the second seed and previous league champions in 2022 and 2023, will face the fourth-seeded Phoenix Mercury in the championship series opener on Friday.
Despite facing numerous injuries, including Mitchell’s exit, the sixth-seeded Fever put up a strong fight. Coach Stephanie White praised her team’s resilience and unity, commending their perseverance and teamwork. Mitchell led the Fever with 15 points before her injury, and multiple players hit double-digit scoring, with Odyssey Sims contributing 27 points and Natasha Howard adding 16.
In contrast, the Aces leaned heavily on Wilson and Young, with Wilson scoring 35 points and Young recording a playoff career-high 32 points along with 10 assists. Chelsea Gray also made a significant impact with 17 points, including crucial plays in overtime.
The Fever refused to back down, forcing the game into overtime after multiple ties in the closing moments of regulation. Despite the Fever’s tenacity, the Aces secured the win in overtime, with coach Becky Hammon acknowledging the challenges posed by Indiana’s resilience throughout the game.
