Las Vegas Aces defeat Indiana Fever 102-85 in WNBA playoff opener

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Indiana Fever 102-85 in Game 1 of the WNBA first-round playoffs. A’ja Wilson, recently named the Associated Press WNBA Player of the Year for a record third consecutive season, led the Aces with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocked shots. Jackie Young contributed 21 points and 10 assists, while Chelsea Gray added 14 points and eight assists.

Indiana's performance was led by Caitlin Clark, who recorded 15 points and 10 assists, and Aliyah Boston, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds despite managing a lower leg injury. The Fever also face injury concerns, with Clark listed as probable for Game 2 while dealing with a back issue.

The series is a best-of-three format. The Fever must win their upcoming home game in Indianapolis to avoid elimination and force a decisive Game 3 in Las Vegas.