Aces Rout Fever 102-85 to Take Game 1 of Playoff Series

The Las Vegas Aces overwhelmed the Indiana Fever 102-85 on Sunday in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round playoff series, building a lead as large as 27 points and leaving Indiana on the back foot for most of the second half.

The loss extended a rough stretch for Indiana, which entered the postseason having been beaten by 20 points against the Minnesota Lynx in its regular-season finale.

Las Vegas was powered by MVP-hopeful A’ja Wilson, who finished with 38 points and 16 rebounds. The Aces’ defense also disrupted Indiana’s offense throughout the game, trapping and double-teaming the Fever backcourt.

Caitlin Clark recorded a double-double with 15 points, 10 assists and three rebounds, but she made just 6 of 18 shots, including 3 of 12 from three-point range, while committing six turnovers and picking up five fouls. Kelsey Mitchell also struggled offensively, scoring 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting with three assists.

Aliyah Boston led Indiana in scoring with 18 points, along with eight rebounds and four assists. Sophie Cunningham provided a lift off the bench, scoring 13 points on three made three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to keep Indiana within reach.

Game 2 of the series moves to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Indiana will need a win on its home court to force a decisive Game 3 and keep its season alive.