Las Vegas, NJ—-A’ja Wilson’s dominant performance showcased why she’s currently one of the WNBA’s top players, leading the Aces to a decisive 99-80 victory over the Indiana Fever. Despite rookie Caitlin Clark’s lower scoring output, Wilson’s 29 points and 15 rebounds stole the spotlight.
Clark, with eight points, faced tough defense, while her teammate Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 16 points. Wilson, a two-time MVP, attributed her success to a more strategic approach this season.
“We actually played defense,” Wilson said. “I feel like in the past games, we didn’t want it. It was just like we thought we could outscore the opponents and this league is too good to do that. So I think tonight we actually wanted to play defense, and I think that loss against Phoenix kind of woke us up, so it didn’t matter who we played this weekend.”
The game also highlighted the friendship between Clark and her former Iowa teammate Kate Martin, who scored a personal-best 12 points. Former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder watched courtside, proud to see her former players excelling in the WNBA.
The Aces outscored Indiana 22-10 in the second quarter to take an eight-point lead at halftime, and took full control by ending the third quarter on an 11-3 run for a 72-56 lead.
Former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, sat courtside. Bluder, who retired May 14 after 24 years at the helm for the Hawkeyes, was accompanied by her successor, Jan Jansen.
“It’s pretty cool they all get to be on the court at the same time tonight,” Bluder said before the game (Megan Gustafson & Clark). “Whenever you see somebody reach their dream, it’s so satisfying to think you might have some small part to do with it. It’s the best feeling in the world. It’s why we do th
The matchup featured five No. 1 draft picks and the top four scorers in NCAA Division I history. Despite a challenging schedule for the Fever, the Aces capitalized on their home advantage, securing their fourth win of the season.
UP NEXT:
Fever: Play the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night.
Aces: Open a three-game road trip against the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday.
