Halftime Heartbreaker: Young Steers Aces Through Wilson’s Woes in Game 3 Thriller..
In a pulse-pounding WNBA playoff semifinal at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Jackie Young is the steady hand guiding the Las Vegas Aces through a storm of their own making. With the series tied 1-1, the Aces cling to a razor-thin lead at halftime against the surging Indiana Fever, but it’s MVP A’ja Wilson’s nightmarish shooting that’s stealing the spotlight.
Wilson, fresh off her unprecedented fourth league MVP honor, entered the break in disbelief: 1-for-11 from the field, her last 10 attempts clanging off the rim like echoes of frustration. The 6-foot-4 phenom, usually a scoring supernova, managed just a handful of points and a few rebounds, her signature mid-range jumpers and post moves smothered by Fever defenders Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith. “It’s one of those halves,” Wilson shrugged post-buzzer, her competitive fire undimmed. “We’ve been here before.”
Enter Young, the All-Star guard who’s become the Aces’ unsung engine. Dropping efficient buckets and dishing crisp assists, she paced Las Vegas with double-digit scoring, her poise keeping the deficit from ballooning. Teammates Chelsea Gray and NaLyssa Smith chipped in, but Young’s leadership – a cool 10 points by the break – has the Aces up by a bucket in this 2-2 potential decider.
The Fever, riding Kelsey Mitchell’s hot hand from Game 1’s 34-point explosion, aren’t folding. Trailing but tenacious, Indiana’s home crowd roars as the second half looms. Can Wilson rediscover her rhythm? Or will Young’s heroics carry the day in this close one? The stakes couldn’t be higher – a trip to the Finals hangs in the balance.
