The Las Vegas Aces clinched an 86-75 victory over the Indiana Fever on Wednesday night, but the spotlight wasn’t just on the scoreboard. The game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis was a historic one, featuring a record-breaking performance by A’ja Wilson, who surpassed Jewell Loyd’s single-season scoring record. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom whose every game is a spectacle, had one of the roughest outings of her young WNBA career. Here’s how the action unfolded and what it means moving forward for these teams.
A Record-Breaking Night for A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson, already the frontrunner for the WNBA MVP, put on an unforgettable display, dropping 27 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. The star forward wasn’t just filling up the stat sheet; she was making history, setting the single-season scoring record in front of a raucous crowd. She broke Jewell Loyd’s record with a signature 17-foot pull-up jumper right before halftime, cementing herself further in the WNBA pantheon.
But Wilson’s night wasn’t just about breaking records. It was also about her leadership on the court. From the opening whistle, she was aggressive, taking control of the game and forcing Indiana’s defense to scramble. Even when double-teamed, she found ways to get her shots off or pass to open teammates like Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes, who combined for 26 points and were lethal from beyond the arc.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Turnovers | Field Goals (FGs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A’ja Wilson | 27 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 11-28 |
| Alysha Clark | 14 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5-8 |
| Tiffany Hayes | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4-5 |
Caitlin Clark: Off Night or A Lesson Learned?
On the flip side, Caitlin Clark’s struggles continued against the Aces. After her explosive performances throughout the season, this was a rare off-night for the rookie sensation. Clark managed just 16 points on 6-of-22 shooting, including a woeful 1-for-10 from beyond the arc. For someone who has already been heralded as the future face of the WNBA, this was a wake-up call. Her poor shooting night wasn’t just a fluke; it was a direct result of Las Vegas’ stifling defense and their ability to close out on shooters quickly.
Still, Clark contributed in other ways. She dished out six assists and now sits just five away from breaking the single-season assist record. Even when her shots weren’t falling, she found ways to impact the game by setting up her teammates. But let’s be honest—16 points and five turnovers aren’t going to cut it when you’re facing the league’s best.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | Turnovers | Field Goals (FGs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 16 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6-22 |
| Kelsey Mitchell | 24 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9-15 |
| Aliyah Boston | 10 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4-7 |
Aces’ Defense Puts the Clamps on Clark
One of the biggest storylines of the night was the Aces’ defensive strategy against Clark. Las Vegas made it clear early on that they weren’t going to let her beat them from three-point land. Constant double-teams, aggressive closeouts, and physical play seemed to frustrate the young guard, leading to a series of rushed and contested shots. The Aces knew that shutting down Clark meant shutting down the Fever’s offense—and it worked to perfection.
To say it was a team effort would be an understatement. Wilson wasn’t just scoring; she was also a force on the defensive end with two steals and three blocks. She set the tone, and the rest of the team followed suit. This was perhaps best exemplified in the third quarter when the Aces held the Fever to a seven-minute scoring drought, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout.
Kelsey Mitchell: A Lone Bright Spot for Indiana
While Clark was struggling, Kelsey Mitchell picked up the slack for Indiana. The Fever guard was on fire, scoring 24 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting, including several big shots to keep the game within reach. However, Mitchell’s heroics were not enough to overcome the turnovers and missed opportunities that plagued the Fever throughout the night. Indiana turned the ball over 14 times, leading to 13 easy points for Las Vegas. As good as Mitchell was, she couldn’t compensate for the overall disjointed play from her team.
The Game’s Defining Moments
The game had its share of dramatic moments and intense sequences, including a technical foul on Aces coach Becky Hammon for arguing a call in the third quarter. Hammon’s fiery demeanor seemed to galvanize her team, who responded with a quick 6-0 run. Meanwhile, Aliyah Boston fouling out with just over a minute left in the game sealed Indiana’s fate.
Future Implications and What’s Next
With the win, the Aces have now dominated the season series against the Fever, winning all three matchups. The Aces are not just in the hunt for the championship but are looking like the favorites, especially with Wilson playing at an MVP level. They face the Fever again this Friday, and you can bet Clark will be looking to redeem herself. As for Indiana, they have some serious soul-searching to do if they hope to make a statement before the season ends.
The Fever’s remaining schedule won’t be any easier, with upcoming games against the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics. They’ll need more than just a bounce-back performance from Clark to get back on track; they’ll need a total team effort and some much-needed consistency.
| Fever Schedule 2024 | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV/live stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Aces | Fri., Sept. 13 | Las Vegas Aces | 7:30 p.m. | ION, Fubo |
| vs. Wings | Sun., Sept. 15 | Dallas Wings | 3 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
| at Mystics | Thurs., Sept. 19 | Washington | 7 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
A’ja Wilson and the Aces proved yet again why they are the team to beat this season. With her record-breaking performance and all-around dominance, Wilson has solidified her case for MVP. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s challenging night offers a learning experience. As the Fever and Aces head into the final stretch of the season, fans can expect more fireworks, drama, and history in the making.
Stay tuned for Friday’s rematch in Indianapolis, where Clark will look to bounce back and the Aces will aim to keep their foot on the gas. You won’t want to miss it.
