Caitlin Clark may be seen as the WNBA’s future star, but A’ja Wilson demonstrated why she is considered one of the league’s best current players with an impressive performance, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 99-80 victory over the Indiana Fever. Wilson put up 29 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing her dominance on the court. In contrast, Clark had a quieter night with only eight points on 2-of-8 shooting, along with seven assists and five rebounds, but struggled with six turnovers, her lowest scoring output for the season so far.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Indiana Fever with 16 points, while Temi Fagbenle, Aliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull also contributed double-digit points. Wilson, a two-time league MVP, was the standout player of the game, making 12 of 18 shots to lead the Aces to victory. Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum also made significant contributions to the Aces’ win, with Young scoring 22 points and Plum adding 20 to the scoreboard.
The game was not only significant for the on-court performance but also had personal connections as rookie Kate Martin, Clark’s former Iowa teammate and best friend, had a standout game with 12 points. Former Hawkeye Megan Gustafson also plays for the Las Vegas Aces, creating a special reunion among former teammates and their coach Lisa Bluder, who retired after 24 years of overseeing the Iowa Hawkeyes. Before the game, Bluder expressed her pride in seeing her former players achieving their dreams and the joy of knowing she played a role in their success.
The matchup between the Aces and the Fever featured five No. 1 draft picks, adding to the star power of the game. The presence of top scorers in NCAA history, along with the sheer talent on both teams, made for an exciting and competitive game that drew an enthusiastic crowd at the Michelob Ultra Arena. Despite the sellout crowd and lively atmosphere, the Fever faced a tough schedule with multiple games in a short period, affecting their performance against the well-rested Aces who were playing their fourth home game of the season.
The Aces redeemed themselves after a loss to the Phoenix Mercury with a strong performance against the Fever. They capitalized on their home court advantage, outscoring their opponents in critical quarters to secure a comfortable lead. The game showcased not only the individual talents of the players but the collective strength of the Aces as a team. With record-setting attendance and an electrifying atmosphere, the Aces demonstrated their prowess in the competitive WNBA landscape. The victory highlighted the potential of rising stars like Clark and the enduring excellence of established players like Wilson, setting the stage for more thrilling matchups in the WNBA.
