WNBA Playoffs: Fever and Aces Advance in Thrilling Game 3s

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Last night’s WNBA playoffs provided all the drama fans could ask for, with two decisive Game 3 matchups that went down to the final seconds. In the end, the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces both earned their spots in the semifinals, bringing an end to two hard-fought series.

Indiana Fever 87, Atlanta Dream 85

The resilient Indiana Fever completed an improbable playoff run, defeating the Atlanta Dream in a heart-stopping 87-85 contest to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2015. Despite missing several key players, including Caitlin Clark, the Fever showed incredible grit, especially in the final minutes.

Game Recap: Trailing 85-80 late in the fourth quarter, the Fever used a decisive 7-0 run to close the game. The go-ahead basket came from Aliyah Boston, who made a clutch layup with just 7.4 seconds remaining. On the final possession, Lexie Hull stole the ensuing inbound pass to seal the victory and cap off a heroic performance from the underdog Fever
Key Performers: Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 24 points, while Aliyah Boston added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, along with 6 assists. For the Dream, Allisha Gray had a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

Las Vegas Aces 74, Seattle Storm 73

In the night’s other thrilling elimination game, the Las Vegas Aces held on for a nail-biting 74-73 win over the Seattle Storm to punch their ticket to the semifinals for the seventh consecutive season.

Game Recap: This game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows and the lead changing hands multiple times in the final minute. Aces superstar A’ja Wilson was unstoppable all night, but it was Jackie Young who made the decisive play. After a missed shot by Wilson with seconds remaining, Young grabbed the offensive rebound and put back the go-ahead basket with just 12.4 seconds left. The Storm had a chance to win it on the final possession, but a jump shot from Erica Wheeler hit off the back rim, and the buzzer sounded, giving the Aces the victory.
Key Performers: A’ja Wilson tied her playoff career-high with a monumental 38 points. Jackie Young finished with 14 points, including the game-winning put-back, while Chelsea Gray added 12 points and 8 assists. Nneka Ogwumike led the Storm with 16 points, with Erica Wheeler and Skylar Diggins adding 16 and 13, respectively.

Both the Fever and Aces will now prepare for the best-of-five semifinals, which begin on Sunday.