INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 12, 2018)—A’ja Wilson’s 35-point, 13-rebound performance Tuesday evening helped Las Vegas pick up its second win of the season, and its first on the road, in a 101-92 victory over the Indiana Fever.
KEY RUNS
Las Vegas turned a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter into a nine-point halftime advantage, outscoring the Fever 23-17 in the second stanza. The Aces made 10 of 19 shots in the quarter, while holding Indiana to 33.3 percent shooting from the field.
Las Vegas extended its lead to 13 early in the third quarter, 56-43 following a pair of Kayla McBride free throws, but the Fever scored 13 of the next 17 points to slice the lead to four with 2:28 to go in the period.
After Indiana tied the score at 84 late in the game, the Aces had three chances to win at the end of regulation, but couldn’t get the ball to fall.
Las Vegas scored the first eight points of overtime to secure the win. A’ja Wilson scored 10 of the team’s 17 points in the extra period.
KEY STATS
A’ja Wilson’s 35 points are the most scored in the WNBA this season, tying Skylar Diggins-Smith who netted 35 for Dallas on June 8. Diggins-Smith’s opponent that night was also the Indiana Fever.
Las Vegas made 51.9 percent of its shots from the field, while Indiana made 44.4 percent of its shots.
The Aces outscored the Fever 17-8 in the overtime period, making 8 of 10 shots from the field. A’ja Wilson made five of five shots from the field in the extra stanza.
GAME NOTES
A’ja Wilson (35 points) scored in double figures for the ninth straight game to start her career, and scored 20 or more points for the sixth time this season. It was her first 30+ point game as a pro.
A’ja Wilson’s 35 points are the second most ever by an Aces rookie (Danielle Robinson, 36 points, Sept. 11, 2011 at Tulsa), and the fifth highest single-game scoring total in Aces history (Danielle Adams, 39 points, September 15, 2013 vs. Atlanta).
Wilson’s 16 made field goals are the most in franchise history. The previous benchmark was 14 by four players. Her 24 field goal attempts are the fourth most ever by an Aces rookie, and the fifth most in franchise history.
JiSu Park grabbed six rebounds and is averaging 7.5 boards over her last four games
Las Vegas committed 13 turnovers, and is averaging 12.8 over the team’s last six games, after averaging 18.3 during the first three games.
Natalie Achonwa had a double-double in the first half with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Tamera Young handed out a career-high nine assists.
The Aces held Indiana to 25.0 percent shooting from three-point range. After allowing teams to connect on 46.2 percent of their three-pointers over Las Vegas’ first four games, the Aces have held opponents to 27.6 percent from long distance since.