The Indiana Fever’s playoff opener against the Las Vegas Aces went about as poorly as feared after a rough end to the regular season. On Sunday, the defending champion Aces routed Indiana 102-85 in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round series in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Indiana had entered the postseason with little momentum, having lost by 20 points to the Minnesota Lynx in its regular-season finale. The Fever hoped to build on an earlier regular-season win over Las Vegas, but the Aces took control immediately, building a lead as large as 27 points and keeping Indiana on the back foot for most of the second half.
Aces star A’ja Wilson dominated the game, finishing with 38 points and 16 rebounds. Indiana’s defense had no answer for her, while the Fever struggled to generate consistent offense against a physical, well-organized Las Vegas defense.
Caitlin Clark posted a double-double with 15 points, 10 assists and three rebounds, but she was pressured throughout the game by traps and double teams. She shot just 6 of 18 from the field, including 3 of her attempts from three-point range, while committing six turnovers and picking up five fouls.
Guard Kelsey Mitchell also had a difficult shooting day, scoring 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting to go with three assists. With both of Indiana’s top scoring options struggling to find rhythm, the Fever lacked the firepower to keep pace with Las Vegas.
Aliyah Boston led Indiana in scoring with 18 points, adding eight rebounds and four assists. Off the bench, Sophie Cunningham gave the Fever a boost with 13 points, including three three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
The series now shifts to Indianapolis, Indiana, for Game 2 on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever will need a win on their home court to force a decisive Game 3 and keep their season alive.
