Aliyah Boston’s big second half powered the Indiana Fever to a Game 4 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, 90-83 on Sunday. Boston scored 17 points in the second half and 24 points for the game. She dominated on the boards throughout, piling up a game-high 14 rebounds. The win forces a decisive Game Five on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Boston’s Big Day
With her performance, Boston became only the second player in franchise history to record 20 or more points, 10 or more rebounds, and five or more assists in a playoff game. Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings was the only other Fever player to achieve that feat. The third-year center out of South Carolina helped Indiana out-rebound Las Vegas 47-35. Boston also added a team-high five assists, as well as two steals and two blocked shots.
No Clark, No Problem
Losing Caitlin Clark seemed like an insurmountable obstacle in the Fever’s quest for a title, but the team has rallied in her absence. Kelsey Mitchell led the team in scoring on Sunday with 25 points and added three rebounds and four assists. Late-season pickup, Odyssey Sims scored 18 points and hit clutch free throws down the stretch to help the team hold off a late push by the Aces.
Wilson Shines In Defeat
Las Vegas Center A’ja Wilson did not make it easy on the Fever. Wilson, who won her fourth MVP award this season, led all scorers with 31 points. She also contributed 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. Aces Guards Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray added 18 and 12 points, respectively, and each dished out nine assists. Gray also had four steals.
Coaching Blunder Costs Aces
In the final minutes of the game, Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon made a costly error. After her team inbounded the ball, Hammon called a timeout because the Aces did not look like they were going to get a good shot. Unfortunately, Hammon had used her last timeout a few minutes earlier. She believed she had one left, but it was used up when she used the team’s second challenge on a foul call on defense. The blunder cost her team the possession and also resulted in a free throw for the Fever.
Next Up
The Fever and Aces will meet in a deciding Game 5 on Tuesday night in the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off time for that game has not yet been announced. The winner will meet the winner of the series between the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. Game 4 of that series is tonight at 7 p.m. CST. The Mercury lead the series 2-1.
