A'ja Wilson looked like she could still play a fifth quarter after the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Indiana Fever, 94-83, in Game 3 of their first-round series in the playoffs on Thursday to advance to the semifinals.
Wilson treated the home crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena to another masterful performance, finishing with a game-high 36 points on 11-of-18 shooting in 37 minutes. She added 10 rebounds and two blocks.
The Aces pulled away in the closing minutes to keep their title defense alive. They are looking for their fourth championship in five years.
In the postgame interview, the 30-year-old Wilson issued a fair warning to the remaining teams.
“Regular season's cute. I know, that's so cute, oh my God, everyone can come see us. But this is the moment everyone should be at. This is the moment that we live for,” said the four-time MVP.
“For us to show up in these spaces and lean on each other and show resilience, it's something that you like. You never get tired of it.”
Article Continues BelowA'ja Wilson on the playoff environment:
"Regular season's cute. I know, that's so cute, oh my God, everyone can come see us … But this is the moment that we live for."pic.twitter.com/YXjgLTP9GZ
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) October 2, 2026
She had ample support from her fellow All-Stars, with Chelsea Gray tallying 23 points, four rebounds, and five assists and Jackie Young adding 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Wilson climbed to the No. 2 spot on the list of most double-doubles in postseason history with 28, trailing only the 31 of Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury.
The Aces are waiting for the winner of Game 3 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Dallas Wings.
More details to come.