The Las Vegas Aces punched their ticket to the 2025 WNBA Finals with a thrilling overtime victory over the Indiana Fever. A’ja Wilson delivered a monster performance in Game 5. She scored 35 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Her dominance helped the Aces outlast a gritty Fever squad 107-98. Fans buzzed about her impact on social media. This win caps a remarkable turnaround for Las Vegas.
Jackie Young matched her teammate’s fire with 32 points and 10 assists. The duo etched their names in history as the first WNBA teammates to drop 30 points each in a playoff game. A’ja Wilson, the league’s four-time MVP, averaged 26 points across the semifinals. She also notched career playoff highs in assists, blocks, and steals. Their chemistry propelled the Aces past tough moments in the series.
This Finals berth sets up a desert showdown with the Phoenix Mercury. The Aces seek a third title in four years. Yet amid the celebration, A’ja Wilson paused to honor a fallen rival. Her words to an injured Fever star touched hearts everywhere.
A’ja Wilson-Jackie Young Led Aces To WNBA Finals
The Aces rode a wave of momentum into Game 5 after splitting the first four contests with Indiana. They grabbed a 2-1 lead with a solid 84-72 win in Game 3. Then the Fever fought back in Game 4 for a 90-83 upset. While Las Vegas needed every ounce of grit to close it out at home, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young stepped up big in the decider.
South Carolina’s born justified her MVP status from tipoff. She exploded for 35 points on 13-of-27 shooting. Her eight rebounds and five assists showcased all-around brilliance. Four steals and four blocks disrupted Indiana’s rhythm. Whereas, Las Vegas’ shooting guard complemented her perfectly with 32 points and a playoff-career-high 10 dimes. Their combined 67 points overwhelmed the Fever’s depleted lineup. This output proved why the Aces thrive in do-or-die spots.
JACKIE YOUNG TONIGHT 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) October 1, 2025
• 32 POINTS
• 10 ASSISTS
• 4 REBOUNDS
• 10/20 FGpic.twitter.com/1nkfutNUin
Additionally, Coach Becky Hammon praised their poise after the game. She said they built this run on trust and toughness.
While Stats from the series paint a clear picture of their edge. Wilson averaged 26 points, three assists, 2.8 blocks, and 2.3 steals over five games. These marks top her previous playoff peaks. She tied the league record with her eighth 30-point postseason outing. Whereas Young averaged 20.5 points and 5.3 assists per game. Her 54.1% field goal clip crushed last year’s 37.5%. In the first round against Seattle, Wilson averaged 29.3 points and 8.7 boards. She dropped a playoff-high 38 in Game 3 there. The Fever series tested her resolve after a slow 16-point Game 1. She bounced back fiercely. Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell dazzled early with 34 in the opener. But her injury shifted the tide late.
A’ja Wilson Sent Heartfelt Message To Kelsey Mitchell
Wilson’s grace off the court stole the show after her on-court fireworks. She opened her postgame presser with concern for Mitchell. The Fever guard crumpled in the third quarter with an apparent lower-body injury. She tallied 15 points in 23 minutes before exiting. Teammates and opponents rushed to her side. A’ja Wilson led the support.
“First off, prayers for Kelsey Mitchell,” Wilson said. “That’s my draft partner, and to see her go down like that was not good. So super prayers out to her. She’s just had a phenomenal season, and I really hope the Indiana Fever continue to take care of her, because she’s a gem. We don’t talk every single day, of course, but she’s a phenomenal person and I hated seeing her go down.”
Both hailed from the 2018 draft class. Wilson went first overall to Vegas. Mitchell followed second to Indiana. Their bond runs deep despite the rivalry. Mitchell averaged 20.2 points this season. She carried the Fever through upsets. Her absence hurt in overtime. Yet Wilson’s tribute highlighted WNBA sisterhood. It reminded everyone of the humanity behind the highlights. As the Aces gear up for Phoenix, this moment lingers. It shows why A’ja Wilson inspires beyond stats.
