The Las Vegas Aces have clinched their third Finals appearance in the last four years after defeating the Indiana Fever in a cinematic Game 5 winner-take-all match up. It was very much a back-and-forth game full of high power offenses and strong defensive efforts. An elimination game couldn't have gone any better for viewers in terms of the level of competition that every player put forth.
The Fever faced yet another heartbreaking blow after star guard Kelsey Mitchell exited the game early in the third quarter after sustaining severe cramps in her lower extremities. Panic never set in for the Fever and it was almost as though they hit their fifth gear after receiving a powerful pep talk from head coach Stephanie White encouraging them to stick together and to play hard for their fallen teammate. Despite forcing OT, the Fever's resilient efforts fell short as the Aces pulled away.
Becky Hammon credits the Indiana Fever's toughness after series victory
In a series where the Aces who have significant championship pedigree were heavily favored, the Indiana Fever never wavered. They rose up to the challenge despite facing major disadvantages, but this never seemed to have bothered them all season. In fact, they embraced it and many around the league knew this would make them a dangerous team - including Aces head coach Becky Hammon who praised the Fever's efforts after Tuesday night's victory.
She began by sending well wishes to Kelsey Mitchell, a player who has earned the respect of many in the WNBA with her fierceness and leadership. Hammon acknowledged the level of adversity the Fever have faced this season and gave much credit to Stephanie White and her staff for keeping her team together all season in the way that they did. It's clear to say that Hammon has the utmost respect for a tough Indiana Fever basketball unit.
"I would first like to take a second and congratulate Indiana. They just would not go away. The resiliency of {Stephanie White's} group, I mean, they went through a lot of adversity this year. And for Steph to keep everybody together on board," Hammon said.
There's no team more dangerous to play than one who has been through so much in a short amount of time and so it's truly incredible that the Fever managed to keep themselves in playoff contention all season long. They're unwavering commitment to one another showed out in every single game. Players were constantly having to step up in unfamiliar situations and no one had more confidence in them than Coach White. They didn't allow six season ending injuries derail their mission, in fact, it led to their powerful message to one another: "we over me".
"So hats off to them. I thought they did an unbelievable job all the way around. Their roster, their coaching staff. They've just gas-pedaled the whole time, and it was tough for us," Hammon added.
The Aces now look ahead to the Phoenix Mercury in a chase for their third championship while the Fever begin their mission on a quest for a title in 2026.