Injured MVP A'ja Wilson and the Aces Face the Fever in Playoffs

Ahead of the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces’ best-of-three first-round series against the No. 6 Indiana Fever, A’ja Wilson said she had been managing back, ankle and lower-leg issues and intended to keep showing up for her teammates. The four-time MVP averaged 26.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists during the regular season. Wilson also said she had stepped back from the outside world and social media while struggling mentally, but feels better with support from her family; she said she does not want special sympathy because many players enter the playoffs less than fully healthy. Indiana won two of the teams’ three regular-season meetings, and Fever center Aliyah Boston said the plan is to make Wilson work for tough shots rather than expect to stop her outright.
The Aces entered the playoffs on a seven-game winning streak.
Wilson said she takes extra precautions before games, including making time for medical tests and ensuring she is warmed up and ready.
Wilson missed three regular-season games and the Commissioner’s Cup championship earlier in the summer because of a lower-leg and ankle issue; the ankle injury occurred during a June 28 win over the Chicago Sky.
Aliyah Boston averaged 19.3 points and 11 rebounds across Indiana’s three regular-season games against Las Vegas.
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