The Indiana Fever could not avoid elimination from the WNBA playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, falling 107-98. However, no one can deny that they fought until the end.
Not only did they force a Game 5 after tying the series 2-2, but they also stretched the game into overtime and dealt with two significant absences in the middle. For this reason, one of the Fever’s stars felt proud of her team.
Hull’s heartfelt words after the game
During the third quarter, Kelsey Mitchell had just scored a three-pointer when she was seen rubbing her leg in obvious pain and leaning on the referee, who helped her lie down. The team confirmed that it was “extreme cramping in her lower body” and that Mitchell “was transported to a local hospital,” where she was treated and released that same night.
However, this was not the only absence for the Fever. With 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Aliyah Boston was ejected from the game after receiving her fifth foul, leaving the team without another of its stars.
And if we add to all this the previous absence of Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, Damiris Dantas, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald and Chloe Bibby, we can undoubtedly say that it was not easy for Indiana and still continue fighting for a spot in the Finals.
That’s why, when Lexie Hull had to analyze the game, despite the loss, she couldn’t hide her pride in the team she’s a part of:
“That’s what Steph said in the huddle, ‘We’re built for this moment,’ when Kelsey went down and then when we were challenging the call on [Boston],” said the Fever guard. “We’ve been here before, so it’s just so unlucky, so crazy, that that had to happen tonight.”
The Aces are a great team, and for us to be able to put out the performance we did tonight and send it to overtime, that’s something to be proud of.
Lexie finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and is one of the players who has managed to stay on her feet and avoid injury, although recently back pain cast doubt on her presence in Game 2.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t stop A’ja Wilson, who led with 35 points, and her teammate, Jackie Young, who followed with 32.
Now, the Aces must prepare to host the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena on Friday for Game 1 of a best-of-seven series.
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