Whether you’re a Las Vegas Aces fan or an Indiana Fever fan, it was a tough series to watch. The Aces took the win for Game 1 of the playoff series, and the Fever took Game 2, which translated into a very tense Game 3.
Back at home in Vegas for Game 3, the Aces meant business. From the moment they stepped onto the court, it was game on in every way possible. Their hard work and determination paid off with the win, 94-83, which advances them to the semifinal round of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs.
With many people bringing fun signs to hold up during the game, one hit the nail on the head: “Fever dream, Aces reality.” Another shared the same vibe — “Have a fever? Vegas has the cure!”
The Aces Fought Hard To Get The Game 3 Win!
Wilson led her team to victory with 36 points. Chelsea Gray added 23 points, Jackie Young scored 18 points, and Jewell Loyd contributed 11 points.
For the Fever, Kelsey Mitchell led the team with 23 points, Aliyah Boston scored 19 points, Caitlin Clark added 18 points, and Myisha Hines-Allen finished with 12 points.
Aces Star A’ja Wilson Was Not Fined Or Suspended After Game 2 Fan Interaction
On Thursday morning, ahead of a tense Game 3 against the Aces and the Fever, it was announced that Wilson will not be fine or suspended after a heated fan interaction during Game 2 in Indiana.
Yahoo Sports announced on IG, “The WNBA has determined that A’ja Wilson will not be fined or suspended and that other Aces players won’t be punished following Tuesday’s Game 2 interaction with a fan, per The Athletic’s @AnnieCostabile. Wilson was assessed a technical foul after confronting a fan in Indiana who appeared to shout at her.”
Fans online have shared mixed reactions about the encounter during Game 2.
“Well duh, she did nothing wrong,” one fan wrote in the comments. Another said, “Why even have the rule then. This league is a joke.”
Head Coach Becky Hammon Addressed The Situation At The Pregame Presser
During the pregame press conference on Thursday, the topic of Wilson’s Game 2 situation entered the chat. Head coach Becky Hammon shared some thoughts.
“I mean, I think we saw A’ja get pushed and shoved and there was no response,” she told the media. “There comes a certain point, I think, a lot of variables come into, you know, the altercation, it’s not an altercation really, the exchange that happened the other night.”
She then added, “I stand 10 toes down with the character of A’ja Wilson.” She further explained that if somebody said your “brother did something,” she knows the person in the situation and will choose them in that situation.
“She’ll be great tonight,” she said. “I have no doubt.”
In Memory Of The Victims Of The Route 91 Harvest Festival
Nine years ago to the day, the nation’s deadliest mass shooting took place at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Strip, across the street from Mandalay Bay. The shooting claimed the lives of 60 people and injured hundreds of others.
Ahead of tip off, the Aces took a moment of remembrance for the lives lost during the tragedy. Announcer Chet Buchanan reminded everyone, “We’ll always be Vegas strong” as the team huddled together on the court.
What’s Next For The Aces?
The Aces will now move onto the semifinal round to play the winner of the Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings series. They play their Game 3 on Friday evening.
Also advancing to the semifinals is the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream.
The winner of each of those games will then move onto the 2026 WNBA Finals.
