Fever Crash MVP Party, Steal Game 1 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon addresses the media after Game 1 from the Michelob Ultra Arena. Photo Credit: Marcell Gordon/Talk that Talk

The Aces hadn't lost a game at Michelob Ultra Arena in exactly 50 days, a streak that came to an end Sunday courtesy of the Indiana Fever. Las Vegas stayed within striking range until the closing minutes, en route to an 89-73 final score. 

Guard Kelsey Mitchell would connect from three with 1:23 remaining in the game, her fourth of the day, giving her a game-high 34 points on the night. This marked the game's largest lead, which was also reflected in the margin of victory.

In her postgame availability, head coach Becky Hammon admitted to having no answer for Mitchell.

"Long twos, short twos, threes, getting to the free throw line," she said matter-of-factly. "She had a hot night and we let her get going ... She had 17 at half and continued that into the second half."

Earlier Sunday morning, the league announced that forward A'ja Wilson is the 2025 Kia Most Valuable Player - but all celebratory energy was wiped away by Indiana's road win. Mitchell demonstrated exactly why she was also one of the five MVP finalists.

Aces forward A'ja Wilson poses with her fourth Most Valuable Player Award trophy. Photo Credit: Marcell Gordon/Talk that Talk

Where the visitors deserve credit, the Aces also didn't do themselves many favors offensively. The team barely eclipsed 40% shooting as a team and only connected on five of its 17 tries from downtown.

The four-time MVP had the most aberrational performance of Las Vegas' stars. Wilson finished 6-of-22 from the field or 27% as her offensive struggles started early and never eased. She shot 1-for-7 in the opening quarter and was held to just four points the entire second half.

Hammon gave Indiana's defense credit, but believes that her team missed many makeable shots.

"We missed at least nine, maybe ten (layups). I know we had about six or seven at halftime and the trend kind of continued, of missing layups [...] potentially 20 points on the board."

As for Wilson specifically, Hammon believes the MVP will be fine.

"Honestly, she had a lot of great looks,” she said. “She just missed and that happens. Even the greatest players have off nights."

Las Vegas guard Dana Evans looks to make a move while guarded by Indiana guard Odyssey Sims. Photo Credit: Marcell Gordon/Talk that Talk

Bright spots for Las Vegas include five-year pro Dana Evans' bench production. The reserve guard gave the Aces offense a spark, on her way to 14 points in 23 minutes. Evans and forward Megan Gustafson, in eight minutes, were the only Aces with a positive net rating for game one.

Meanwhile, Fever head coach Stephanie White sang the praises of their centerpiece, center Aliyah Boston. The fellow South Carolina product was a tone-setter on both sides.

"She continues to be our rock," White said after Boston's six point, 11 rebound, and five assist performance. 

"I thought her defensive execution was right on point. She stayed disciplined, and we need her to continue to do that."

White says that Boston has been impacted the most by the team's "changes," most notably the list of injury absences - including guard Caitlin Clark.

Whatever changes need to be made for Las Vegas, they have one more chance to get a win at home before traveling to Indiana. The Fever now hold home court advantage in this best-of-five series. 

Game two is Tuesday, Sept. 23 from the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, before the series shifts to Indianapolis for the team's first semifinal game in a decade.