Caitlin Clark-less Fever get roughed up as Aces tie semifinal series originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Indiana Fever’s dream playoff run hit a wall Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Playing most the entire season without sensation Caitlin Clark, the Fever struggled to match the physicality of the defending champion Aces, falling 90-68 in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals. The best-of-five series is now tied 1-1 as the matchup shifts to Indianapolis.
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Aces set the tone early
After being stunned on their home floor in Game 1, Las Vegas came out with an edge in the rematch. Coach Becky Hammon had challenged her team to get “feisty” after a lackluster opener, and the message was received loud and clear. The Aces built an early 18-point cushion, forcing the Fever into uncomfortable possessions and controlling the glass.
A’ja Wilson, fresh off her fourth MVP award, looked every bit the league’s best player. She finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks, improving Las Vegas’ playoff record to 11-0 when she scores at least 25. Four other Aces players reached double figures, with NaLyssa Smith adding 18 points and seven rebounds.
A whistle-filled battle
The physicality wasn’t just felt, it was on the stat sheet. Officials whistled 41 fouls, including 16 in the third quarter alone. The Aces took 21 free throws compared to Indiana’s 15.
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Hammon voiced her frustration with the constant bumping and grabbing. “You can bump and grab a wide receiver in the NFL for five yards, but in the W it feels like you can do it across the whole half court,” she said. “It’s out of control.”
On the other bench, Fever coach Stephanie White expressed her own concerns. “It’s hard for us to find flow when there’s a foul called every 10 seconds,” she said. “When they’re at the line, we can’t get up and down the floor, and that’s a challenge.”
Fever searching for answers without Clark
Indiana’s offense sputtered without Clark’s scoring punch and playmaking. The Fever shot 41% from the field and turned the ball over 22 times. Kelsey Mitchell, the team’s leading scorer, was held to just 13 points. Lexie Hull provided a spark with 15 points and five three-pointers, but it wasn’t nearly enough to keep pace.
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White admitted her squad didn’t respond well to Las Vegas’ aggression. “They put us on our heels,” she said. “That’s not us, but you have to give them credit.”
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What’s up next?
With the series knotted at 1-1, the next two games in Indianapolis will decide if Indiana can extend its Cinderella run or if Las Vegas reasserts its dominance. Game 3 tips off Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday.
The Fever will need to find another gear without Clark to keep up with Wilson and the Aces’ championship experience.
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