Fever beat Aces 99-89 behind Caitlin Clark's 27 points and 15 assists, tying series 1-1
Indiana's win keeps its season alive and forces a decisive Game 3 in Las Vegas on Thursday.
What we know
- Indiana defeated Las Vegas 99-89 in Game 2 of the first-round series, which is now tied 1-1. [1]
- Caitlin Clark had 27 points, 15 assists and 7 rebounds for the Fever; Jackie Young scored 31 for the Aces. [1]
- Game 3 is Thursday in Las Vegas, and the winner advances to the semifinal round. [2]
- Not yet confirmed: Details of what was said between a fan and Aces star A'ja Wilson in the fourth quarter are not known. The Associated Press reported that Aces coach Becky Hammon did not see the exchange itself.
The sixth-seeded Indiana Fever beat the Las Vegas Aces 99-89 on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, evening their best-of-three first-round series at 1-1 and avoiding elimination.[1] Game 3 is Thursday in Las Vegas, with the winner moving on to the semifinal round, according to The Associated Press.[2]
Guard Caitlin Clark led Indiana with 27 points, 15 assists and 7 rebounds.[1] Kelsey Mitchell added 26 points, according to the AP.[2] Clark had 14 points and 11 assists in the first half, which the AP described as the first points-assists double-double in the first half of a playoff game in league history.[2]
For Las Vegas, Jackie Young scored 31 points and Chelsea Gray had 7 assists.[1] A'ja Wilson had 22 points and nine rebounds, and the AP reported she moved past Rebekkah Brunson into fourth on the league's career playoff list.[1][2]
The turning point came in the second quarter. Las Vegas led 29-18 early in the period, but Indiana outscored the Aces 20-6 in a run that ended with a short jumper by Raven Johnson for a 46-39 lead, the AP reported. Indiana was never behind after that.[2] The Fever outscored Las Vegas 30-17 in the quarter.[1]
In the fourth quarter, with Indiana leading 90-79 at the 4:10 mark, Wilson and a fan appeared to be pointing and shouting at one another, according to the AP. Wilson walked toward the seats, and teammates, an assistant coach and security separated the two. She received a technical foul for stepping off the court but was not ejected. The man was escorted out but allowed to return because the Fever said he had not violated the fan code of conduct, the AP reported.[2]
Clark fouled out with 2:45 left, and the Aces cut the deficit to 92-87 before Indiana held on, according to the AP.[2] "The way I looked at it, your back's up against the wall," Clark said. "This is the only opportunity you're guaranteed to have is these 40 minutes."[2]
Tyasha Harris was out for Indiana with a leg injury. Dana Evans (knee) and NaLyssa Smith (leg) were out for Las Vegas.[1]