The Indiana Fever are just one loss away from WNBA playoff elimination. With that said, head coach Stephanie White wants her team to play like a desperate team in Game 2 of their series against the Las Vegas Aces.
Indiana was blown out by Las Vegas, 102-85, in Game 1 at Michelob ULTRA Arena. A’ja Wilson exploded for 38 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks in the win, as the Aces led by as many as 27 points.
Wilson also made history in the process, becoming the first player to have multiple playoff games with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds.
Aliyah Boston led the scoring for the Fever with 18 points, while Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell struggled offensively and combined for just 27 points in the loss.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Now, ahead of Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, White acknowledged that her team needs to win if it wants to extend the series. However, she’s not losing confidence in the Fever’s ability to bounce back.
“It’s that time of year. You gotta play with desperation when your back is against the wall. Not a reckless desperation but an urgent desperation,” White told reporters, per James Boyd of The Athletic. “We’ve been up and down, but we’ve responded from tough losses before. And I expect us to do it again.”
It remains to be seen whether the Fever will be able to respond to White’s call and play better following their rather uncharacteristic showing in Game 1.
For what it’s worth, Indiana is favored to beat the Aces in Game 2, albeit by just a small margin.
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