A’ja Wilson Bounces Back as Aces Begin Quest for Three-Peat
The Las Vegas Aces faced a rocky start in their playoff game against the Seattle Storm, appearing to begin their championship quest on a down note. By the end of the first quarter, the Aces were trailing 18-9, and A’ja Wilson had struggled to find her rhythm, making only one of her eight attempts from the field. However, by halftime, the Aces had narrowed the gap to just four points, largely thanks to the stellar performance of Tiffany Hayes, who scored 12 points in the half, while Wilson managed only four.
After the break, Wilson showcased the form that earned her the 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player award earlier in the day, matching the three MVP titles held by legends Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson. The 28-year-old ignited in the third quarter, scoring 15 points, including a critical three-pointer that brought the Aces within one point as they headed into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Aces ramped up their defense, completely stifling the Storm, who missed all 13 shots and managed just two points in the final 10 minutes. Kelsey Plum helped the Aces take the lead with 7:08 remaining, and they never looked back, outscoring Seattle 14-2 to secure the win. Wilson ended the game with a remarkable 21 points, along with eight rebounds and five blocks.
Reflecting on the team’s turnaround, Wilson stated, “We just buckled down. We understood the assignment and knew what it was going to take. We saw in the first half that this wasn’t going to be easy. This is the playoffs. This isn’t a regular season game. They kind of punched us in the mouth in the first half, but in the second half, we just figured it out. It just clicked with us on the defensive end; we have to buckle down. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. That’s where we can fuel our offense. We just started to lock in more and turned up our physicality.”
Looking ahead, a win in Game 2 on Tuesday would advance the Aces to the semifinal round, putting them one step closer to a third consecutive championship—an achievement only matched by the Houston Comets in the league’s early years.
Alyssa Thomas Shines as Sun Defeats Fever
While all eyes were on Caitlin Clark for her playoff debut, it was Alyssa Thomas who took center stage during the Connecticut Sun’s decisive 93-69 victory over the Indiana Fever. Thomas recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, marking the 15th triple-double of her career and her fourth in the postseason. She had previously achieved a triple-double against the Fever in the first game of this regular season.
“We did what we were supposed to do. I’ve been waiting all season for the playoffs; this is what you’re playing for,” said the five-time WNBA All-Star. “This is just the beginning for us; we’re ready to go.”
Marina Mabrey and DeWanna Bonner also made significant contributions, with Mabrey scoring a record-setting 27 points off the bench, the highest ever in WNBA postseason history. Despite Bonner’s impressive 22 points, she praised Thomas for her crucial role in the team’s performance. “She gets us in places that we need to be during important times. The way she reads the game and sees the floor… It’s an advantage to have a player that can pass the ball, direct the game, defend, and literally play for 40 minutes. Our team doesn’t go without her. I wouldn’t be in this position each and every year. This is her time, every year.”
For Caitlin Clark, the postseason debut was a struggle, as the Fever suffered the largest playoff loss in franchise history. After being unanimously named the AP WNBA Rookie of the Year earlier in the day, Clark managed just 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals. “We didn’t play well; we didn’t play to the level we’re capable of playing. We didn’t shoot the ball like we’re capable of. We’re capable of winning this game,” she admitted.
The Fever began strong, leading 36-34 with 3:45 left in the first half. However, the Sun quickly regained control, finishing the half on a 12-2 run, which propelled Bonner to 16 points by halftime. Indiana now faces a must-win Game 2 on Wednesday to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Fiebich and Collier Shine for Liberty and Lynx
In other playoff action, rookie Leonie Fiebich proved her worth to the New York Liberty with a standout performance, scoring a game-high 21 points in their 83-69 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Liberty coach Sandy Brondello was pleased with Fiebich’s impact after moving guard Courtney Vandersloot to the bench to add height to the lineup. “Leo had a great game. We’ve bragged about her contributions all season long. It’s a no-brainer, but she always stays ready. Regardless of starting or coming off the bench, she’s always locked in,” Brondello noted.
Fiebich’s strong showing complemented the efforts of Breanna Stewart, who added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, while Sabrina Ionescu contributed 17 points.
Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 38 points in a thrilling 102-95 win over the Phoenix Mercury. With much attention on Diana Taurasi as her potential retirement looms, Collier, who finished second to Wilson in the MVP rankings, stole the spotlight with her career-high scoring effort, alongside four assists and six rebounds.
Natasha Cloud led the Mercury with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, while Taurasi chipped in 21 points. As the playoffs unfold, teams will continue to battle for their place, with thrilling matchups and standout performances defining this crucial stage of the WNBA season.
