Aces beat Fever 102-85 in playoff opener

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Indiana Fever 102-85 in Game 1 of their WNBA first-round playoff series Sunday, pulling away with a decisive run before halftime after Indiana had held a one-point lead. The Aces outscored the Fever 29-13 over the final seven minutes of the first half, turning a 34-33 deficit into a 62-47 halftime advantage. Indiana could not close the gap after the break. Caitlin Clark finished with 15 points and 10 assists, but shot 6-for-17 from the field and committed six turnovers, four in the first half. The Aces scored 28 points off 17 Indiana turnovers, according to the game account. Clark said the Fever’s execution was sloppy and that allowing 102 points made it difficult for the team to play in transition. Coach Stephanie White also identified turnovers as a key factor in the stretch before halftime, saying they gave Las Vegas easy scoring chances and helped the Aces find their rhythm. The loss leaves Indiana facing elimination in Game 2, scheduled for Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The supplied account reported that Clark had returned to playoff competition after missing last year’s postseason with a groin injury.