A’ja Wilson delivered her best playoff performance, scoring 38 points with 16 rebounds and four blocks as Las Vegas beat Indiana 102-85 in Game 1. The Aces lead the series 1-0; Indiana must win Game 2 on Tuesday to avoid elimination.
Las Vegas built a 27-point lead and scored 28 points off 17 Indiana turnovers. Jackie Young had 21 points and 10 assists; Chelsea Gray added 14 points and eight assists, moving into second on the WNBA’s all-time playoff assists list. Caitlin Clark finished with 15 points, 10 assists and six turnovers.
Earlier Sunday, Wilson was named AP WNBA Player of the Year for a third straight season. After the game, she said the performance was her job and that she aimed to play her best while helping her teammates do the same. Coach Becky Hammon praised Wilson’s work on offense and defense.
