Kelsey Mitchell lit up the defending champs in their own building, scoring 34 points to power the Indiana Fever to an 89-73 upset win over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals.
Mitchell, a finalist for league MVP, delivered one of the best playoff performances in Fever history. She hit 12 of 23 shots from the floor, knocked down four threes, and was perfect at the line. Her 34 points trail only Tamika Catchings for the most ever by a Fever player in a postseason game.
Indiana set the tone early, building a 19-10 lead in the first quarter. Las Vegas briefly punched back, but the Fever regrouped and controlled the second half. After the Aces closed within three late in the third, Indiana ripped off an 11-0 run that buried the hosts for good.
Supporting cast steps up
While Mitchell stole the spotlight, Odyssey Sims chipped in 17 points and three steals. Natasha Howard recorded a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Aliyah Boston anchored the paint with 11 boards and five assists.
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The Fever defense also held newly crowned MVP A’ja Wilson in check, limiting her to 16 points on 6-of-22 shooting, though she did grab 13 rebounds. Jackie Young added 19 for Las Vegas, while Chelsea Gray posted 13 points, five boards, and four assists.
What’s next in the series
The best-of-five battle resumes Tuesday night in Las Vegas before shifting to Indianapolis for Game 3. With the Fever already stealing home-court advantage, the pressure now shifts to the Aces, who suddenly find themselves in a fight to keep their repeat hopes alive.
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