The Las Vegas Aces triumphed in their first-round playoff game against the Seattle Storm, securing a hard-fought 74-73 victory. This win marks their advance to the semifinals, where they will confront the Indiana Fever.

“No pun intended but we weathered the Storm,” said Aces star A’ja Wilson in her post-game interview with ESPN. “They punched us and we punched back and we kept punching. I can’t express how proud I am of my team, but the job is not done. This is the first round; we gotta get ready for the next one.”

Wilson was particularly dominant that night, scoring a playoff career-high of 38 points, and extending her record of scoring 30+ points in playoff games.

A’ja Wilson

Not only did Wilson lead in scoring, but her contribution included five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Earlier that day, she had been named Co-Defensive Player of the Year alongside Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx. The Aces’ defense played a crucial role in limiting the Storm’s scoring opportunities.

Despite the Aces facing stiff competition, reflected in players like Erica Wheeler scoring 16 points for the Storm, they managed to secure the win with clutch plays from Jackie Young who made a crucial offensive rebound and putback shot just before time expired.

Becky Hammon, the head coach of the Aces, praised Wilson’s performance and mentioned the need to prepare for their next formidable opponent, the Fever.