Image Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

“They Haven’t Seen the Real Aces Yet” – Indiana Fever Face Stern Becky Hammon Warning As Las Vegas Aces Advance After Thrilling Playoff Escape

Hammon sets tone after narrow Aces victory

Image Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Aces advanced to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs after a tense Game 3 win over the Seattle Storm. They now face the Indiana Fever in a best-of-five series starting Sunday.

The Aces narrowly escaped elimination on Thursday. Seattle Storm led 73-72 with under 20 seconds left after Erica Wheeler’s basket. But Jackie Young tipped in a shot with 12.4 seconds remaining to put Las Vegas back on top. Wheeler then missed a potential game-winner, allowing the Aces to hold on.

That win set up a semifinal clash with Indiana Fever, who edged the Atlanta Dream in their own decisive Game 3. After the victory, Aces coach Becky Hammon wasted no time sending a message to the Fever.

LAS VEGAS IS BACK IN THE SEMIS ♦️

The Aces have eliminated the Storm from the playoffs THREE times in the last four years 😳 pic.twitter.com/Zovk6hRTJd
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 19, 2025

Aces Coach Delivers Message Ahead of Indiana Fever Semifinal Clash

“They haven’t seen the real Aces yet,” Hammon said. “They caught us when we were in a bit of turmoil. They whooped us in one of those stretches. So we’ll buckle in, hone in where we can, and take care of business.”

She added: “Everybody’s super excited about tonight, which I am too. But we’ll get our hard hats on and get these guys ready for what’s coming next.”

The Indiana Fever took the regular season series against the Las Vegas Aces, winning two of three matchups. Las Vegas claimed the first meeting in June, before Indiana responded with two straight wins in July.

Despite those struggles, the Las Vegas Aces regained form after the WNBA All-Star break, stringing together 16 straight wins heading into the postseason.

A’ja Wilson, recently named co-Defensive Player of the Year, led the charge in the deciding game against Seattle. She poured in 38 points on 14-of-26 shooting, while adding five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Young contributed 14 points and four steals, while Chelsea Gray added 12 points, eight rebounds, and strong defense.

With momentum back on their side, Aces enter the semifinals eager to prove Hammon’s words true. Game 1 between the Aces and Fever tips off Sunday.