Aja Wilson makes a statement in win over Fever

A'ja Wilson played like someone who has won multiple MVP awards, and the Las Vegas Aces looked like a team that has won three of the past four WNBA championships. As a result of Wilson's 38 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocked shots, the Aces defeated the Indiana Fever 102-85 in Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs. To be honest this game was never really close. The Aces led 62-47 at halftime and were never seriously threatened in the second half, leading by 27 points. They just missed the franchise record for most points in a playoff half. Las Vegas scored 63 points against Phoenix on Aug. 20, 2022.

Wilson was named the Associated Press WNBA Player of the Year earlier in the day for the third consecutive year, and the third-seeded Aces looked every bit like the team that has won three of the past four titles. Wilson's scoring total matched a postseason career high.

Caitlin Clark and Indiana, which is seeded sixth, will have a chance to force a Game 3 in Las Vegas when they meet Tuesday night. Losing ends the season of the Fever and sends the defending champion Aces to the semifinals.

Jackie Young (21 points, 10 assists), Gray (14 points, eight assists) and Jewell Loyd (10 points) also contributed well for the Aces. With 397 career playoff assists, Gray passes Courtney Vandersloot (390) for second place in playoff history.

Aliyah Boston finished with 18 points and eight rebounds for the Fever despite a lower leg injury. Clark had 15 points and 10 assists. A record 27-game streak with at least 20 points was broken by Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting.