Fever's Hines-Allen Shoves Aces' Wilson in Tense WNBA Playoff Game 2
Indiana forces a decisive Game 3 after a physical contest where Myisha Hines-Allen's actions ignited her team.
Tensions flared in Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces, as the Fever secured a crucial 99-89 victory to even the series and force a deciding Game 3. The win kept the Fever's playoff hopes alive after an opening 102-85 defeat.
Physical Play Ignites Fever
Late in the first quarter, with the Fever trailing by two points, Indiana's Myisha Hines-Allen was seen aggressively confronting Aces star A'ja Wilson. As Wilson attempted to set a screen, Hines-Allen repeatedly shoved Wilson's arms and then appeared to push her from behind. This physical play seemed to energize the Fever, with Caitlin Clark observed applauding the move and Sophie Cunningham encouraging the home crowd.
The intensity carried over to the next possession, where Clark and Hines-Allen double-teamed Wilson, forcing a jump ball that Indiana ultimately secured. The Fever then went on a significant run, taking a 48-43 lead by halftime and extending it to 69-54 late in the third quarter.
Clark's Historic Performance and Foul Trouble
Caitlin Clark made WNBA playoff history in the first half, recording a points-assists double-double with 14 points and 11 assists in the initial 20 minutes. However, the star rookie fouled out with just under three minutes remaining in the closely contested game. Despite Clark's absence, the Fever managed to hold on for the victory.
Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 26 points, contributing significantly to the win. For the Aces, Jackie Young scored 31 points, and A'ja Wilson added 22 points and nine rebounds, moving her past Rebekkah Brunson for fourth on the WNBA's career playoff list.
The series now returns to Las Vegas for a decisive Game 3, with the winner advancing to the league's semifinal round. The Aces initially appeared poised for a second consecutive blowout, closing the first quarter on a 9-2 run and starting the second with a three-pointer to take a 29-18 lead. However, Indiana's shift in aggressive play, sparked by the confrontation between Hines-Allen and Wilson, shifted the momentum. Despite a late rally by the Aces in the fourth quarter, spurred by Clark's foul trouble, the Fever maintained their lead to secure the win.