After shooting just 6-of-22 in Game 1 against the Fever, A’ja Wilson was determined to “come to work.” Not because it was a wake-up call, and well, she was “embarrassed less than the 53-point loss“. She came to work because that’s what a 4-time MVP does when 10,516 fans at her home arena are watching. Then she backed it all up with 25 points and nine rebounds. But this might only be the trailer. And no, we’re not saying this, an ESPN analyst is.

As the Aces won Game 2 by a wide margin, Alexa Philippou warned the Fever, taking into account the ever-hungry Aces. “They want to be able to bring that same energy (from Game 2) into Game 3 tomorrow night,” Philippou said. “Becky Hammon had this really cool analogy where she was talking about, you know, games like this, especially in the playoffs, it’s like two energies that are competing against each other, and you need to be the one that breaks the other team’s energy and the other team’s will first.”

And yes, the Aces embodied that message on both ends of the floor. The team dictated Game 2 with physicality, aggression, and balance. They shot a blistering 53.8% from the field while holding Indiana to just 41%. More importantly, they feasted on the Fever’s mistakes, turning 22 turnovers into 28 transition points. At one point, Las Vegas built a 26-point cushion, leaving no doubt about who controlled the energy.

It was all made possible as Hammon implored her players to get “a little feisty” in Game 2 to win. So when the Aces entered the court, they were prepared, and it showed, as they led by as many as 18 points in the first half alone. Even with foul trouble (they finished with 22 fouls), they still managed to draw whistles and cash in. They went to the line 21 times, a significant improvement from Game 1. That willingness to initiate contact and play through the officials was part of their edge.

“I just think we came to work… We didn’t come to work in Game 1, and that’s on all of us. And I think Game 2, we just decided to come to work,” Wilson said. And while the Aces rely on Wilson most nights, it wasn’t her carrying the load alone this time. Five players from the Aces’ roster scored in double figures, showcasing the depth that makes them so dangerous in the postseason.

Still, Aces captain Wilson led the charge with 25 points, nine boards, five steals, and two blocks. So yes, Game 2 was all about Las Vegas seizing control, dictating pace, and imposing their will – exactly as Hammon’s analogy laid out. And that dominance is going to continue. As NaLyssa Smith put it best, “It’s going to be different being on that side of things… We know how to weather storms.” 

A’ja Wilson was perhaps the best example of that.

Aliyah Boston had A’ja Wilson in a vice grip inside the paint during Game 1. At six-foot-five, Boston’s physicality and relentless defense left Wilson scrambling. But the MVP didn’t get fazed. Suddenly, in Game 2, Wilson was knocking down mid-range jumpers left and right. The unexpected arsenal had everyone blinking. After all, midies and threes weren’t exactly on Wilson’s usual scouting report. So, the Fever now has a new problem to solve: how to guard a star who just upgraded her offensive cheat codes.

Indy eyes redemption in Game 3 after learning from setbacks!

The Indiana Fever put on an impressive defensive performance in Game 1, wherein Aliyah Boston limited Wilson to just 16.7 percent shooting over 35 possessions. But in Game 2, Boston’s role seemed diminished, and that opened the door for Wilson’s standout performance. As WNBA analyst Alicia Jay put it, “They need to get that ball to her more. Aliyah is a key player on that team.”

In this series with the Aces, Boston’s role has evolved. Instead of being the team’s offensive spark, her main focus has shifted to keeping A’ja Wilson in check. That defensive assignment has come at a cost, limiting her usual impact in the paint and making it tougher for the Fever’s offense to find rhythm.

The numbers reflect the change. Boston is averaging 10.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, with much of the scoring responsibility now falling on Kelsey Mitchell. But the Aces spotted the shift in Game 2, putting the clamps on Mitchell and preventing her from playing her usual game.

Lexie Hull, however, thinks that the Fever has figured it out.

“Play disciplined defense,” Lexie Hull shared in a recent video posted by the WNBA. “I think it’s just gonna come down to us being really locked in and trying to limit their chances.” Hull definitely ignited some hope, as Indy won their Game 1 due to defense, during which they held the Aces to 29-for-71 shooting as a team. In Game 2, however, they didn’t portray their usual defensive edge and weren’t really able to counter the Aces’ adjustment.

Let’s see what Game 3 will bring us. Indy will only be hoping that Wilson doesn’t pull out any more tricks from her bag.