The Indiana Fever evened their WNBA Semifinals series with a 90-83 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on September 28 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The win tied the series at 2-2, sending the contest back to Las Vegas for a winner-take-all Game 5 scheduled for September 30.
The series has been defined by the high-profile matchup between the post players of both teams: A’ja Wilson of the Aces and Aliyah Boston of the Fever.
Both players have excelled on the court while exchanging pointed comments during media sessions, adding an extra dimension to the rivalry.
Boston addressed defensive strategy prior to Game 4, highlighting the importance of maintaining position and professionalism against Wilson.
She stated that while Wilson would take her shots, the Fever‘s goal was to “stay in her space, crowd her space” and respond appropriately when she scored.
Boston‘s comments underscored the balance between acknowledging Wilson‘s offensive talent and emphasizing disciplined defensive play. The forward stressed that even elite players would make shots, and the team’s responsibility was to rebound and transition effectively to sustain competitive performance.
Game 4 highlights and free-throw discrepancy
In Game 4, both Wilson and Boston produced notable stat lines. Wilson contributed 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks, and 3 assists, while Boston added 24 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.
A significant difference emerged in free-throw attempts: Boston attempted 13 free throws, compared with six for Wilson, a disparity that drew attention during postgame remarks.
Wilson addressed the matter during the press conference, referencing Boston‘s prior comment about a “special whistle” in her favor.
Wilson acknowledged the remark, stating, “She said it last game, I had a special whistle. Which is cool. So you just gotta play better defense, make her looks a little difficult, and kind of go from there.”
Whether Boston made the comment verbatim is unclear, but Wilson‘s response demonstrated focus and resolve rather than escalating the confrontation.
The exchange highlights both the competitive intensity between the two players and the high stakes of the series. Wilson‘s performance reflects her ability to contribute across multiple aspects of the game, while Boston’s efforts demonstrated balanced scoring and dominant presence in the paint.
The free-throw discrepancy will likely be a factor in how both teams approach officiating and physicality in the decisive matchup.
Game 5 is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with the winner advancing to the WNBA Finals. Both teams are likely to rely on their star players to carry offensive production while executing disciplined defensive schemes.
The matchup between Wilson and Boston will continue to be central, not only for scoring and rebounding but also for setting the tone of physicality and presence in the paint.
With the series tied, every possession will carry significant weight. The Fever‘s home victory has shifted momentum, but the outcome will ultimately depend on execution, adaptability, and the ability of both teams to respond to in-game adjustments.
Game 5 promises to be a pivotal and highly competitive conclusion to a closely contested semifinals series.
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