A’ja Wilson wasted no time reminding everyone what playoff basketball looks like when the best player on the floor completely takes over.
The Las Vegas Aces superstar delivered a dominant all-around performance in Game 1 of the first round against the Indiana Fever, finishing with 38 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals in a 102-85 victory. Wilson shot an extraordinary 15-of-19 from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point range, and controlled the game on both ends from the opening minutes.
Indiana stayed within striking distance early, but Wilson steadily broke the game open with a combination of power, touch and efficiency. By halftime, she already had 22 points, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals, becoming the first player in WNBA playoff history to record at least 20 points, three blocks and two steals in a first half.
A’JA WILSON TODAY:
• 38 POINTS
• 16 REBOUNDS
• 4 BLOCKS
• 2 STEALS
• 2/2 3PM
• 15/19 FG
• 35 MINUTES PLAYED pic.twitter.com/ovoM4SziSl— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) September 27, 2026
Her 38 points matched a career playoff high and marked the 11th 30-point postseason game of her career, extending her WNBA record.
The Fever simply had no answer.
Wilson punished single coverage, finished through contact, stepped outside when necessary and controlled the glass. On defense, she erased shots at the rim and helped anchor a Las Vegas team that looked every bit like a championship contender.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon described it simply:
“She was a clinic tonight.”
Wilson also had plenty of help. Jackie Young finished with 21 points and 10 assists, while Chelsea Gray added 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Las Vegas shot 59 percent from the field as a team and pulled away decisively after the first quarter.
The Aces now lead the best-of-three series 1-0, and Indiana heads home needing a response. If Wilson plays anything close to this level again, finding one will be extremely difficult.
