Fever and Lynx Make WNBA Semifinals Statements with game 1 Victories
The Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx both secured crucial Game 1 victories in their respective WNBA semifinal series, signaling strong starts to their championship pursuits.
Fever Stun Aces in las Vegas
In a stunning upset, the Indiana Fever defeated the Las Vegas Aces 77-72 on the Aces’ home court. The FeverS victory was built on dominance in key areas,outscoring Las vegas in the paint 50-38,on fast break points,at the free-throw line (16-10),and in second chance opportunities (10-9). Indiana capitalized on live-ball turnovers from Las Vegas to briefly cut the deficit in the third quarter, but a response from Kelsey Mitchell, including a stepback jumper, ignited a 13-0 run for the Fever.
A significant factor in the Fever’s success was the Aces’ struggles, particularly from MVP A’ja Wilson, who shot 6-of-22 from the field. Her absence from the game due to foul trouble (four fouls) further hampered Las Vegas.
Despite the loss, Aces guard Jackie White remained optimistic, stating, “It’s one game in a long series. But if we continue to keep the main thing the main thing, we know we can do what we’re capable of doing.” The Aces are drawing on their experience from the 2022 semifinals, where they lost Game 1 at home before winning the next three against the Seattle Storm and ultimately claiming the championship.This is the first time the Fever have faced this situation as a team.
Lynx Uncover X-Factor in Victory Over Mercury
Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Phoenix mercury 82-69. A key contributor to the Lynx’s success was Maria Kliundikova, who saw limited action during the regular season (averaging just 11 minutes per game) and didn’t play in the first round. Kliundikova was a +14 in just eight minutes of play, earning her increased playing time.
“We just got to the point where we felt like we needed somthing different and (Kliundikova) rose to the occasion for us,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “Her eight minutes were the best eight minutes of the game. So credit to (her) for being ready and being big.”
The Mercury initially dominated the paint, scoring 52 of their 59 points there in the first three quarters, despite struggling from three-point range (3 of 23). Reeve countered by utilizing Kliundikova’s size and activity, which proved pivotal in limiting Phoenix’s inside scoring. In a gutsy move,Reeve replaced co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith with Kliundikova with just over four minutes remaining while holding a three-point lead. Kliundikova responded with an offensive rebound leading to a three-pointer from kayla McBride, a won jump ball, and a steal culminating in a layup.
The Mercury were held to just 10 points in the fourth quarter, with only two coming from the paint.
Courtney Williams led the lynx with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Williams praised Kliundikova’s mental fortitude, saying, “When you’re sitting most of the game and you gotta come in and make that instant impact, you just gotta be mentally strong.That’s exactly what she is. She came in and did her thing.”
