Las Vegas Aces Secure WNBA Finals Spot in Overtime Thriller

LAS VEGAS – Aja Wilson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 35 points, while Jackie Young contributed 32 points as the Las Vegas Aces triumphed over the Indiana Fever, 107-98, in an intense Game 5 that went into overtime. This decisive victory came after the Fever suffered yet another injury to one of their key players on Tuesday night.

The Aces, who are the second seed, have previously clinched league titles in 2022 and 2023, and they will face the Phoenix Mercury in the opening game of the Top 7 Championship Series this Friday.

Even as the sixth-seed Fever battled hard, their chances were severely hampered by injuries to star players. Caitlyn Clark and Sophie Cunningham are already sidelined, and now they’ve added another with Kelsey Mitchell, who was leading the team with 15 points before her injury.

Despite their challenges, Indiana saw six players scoring in double digits, highlighted by Odyssey Sims with 27 points and Natasha Howard contributing 16.

The Aces were relentless, with Wilson nearly matching her playoff career high. Chelsea Gray left the game early in the third quarter due to a right leg injury but still managed to score 17 points.

Las Vegas needed every one of those points, especially as the Fever continued to push back after Mitchell’s injury. Indiana fought hard, eventually tying the game at 84, thanks to two free throws from Sims with just 52 seconds on the clock.

Young hit two free throws with 27.1 seconds remaining, but Sims quickly answered back with a layup, bringing the game level again with 22.5 seconds left.

Young’s attempt at a layup early in overtime was unsuccessful; however, Jewel Loyd came through, and they secured the game into extra time.

Once in overtime, the Aces took charge and maintained their lead for the remainder of the game.