Kelsey Plum REACTS: Aces Survive Fever Fight — But Can They Handle Phoenix?

Kelsey Plum and the Las Vegas Aces may have survived the Indiana Fever’s furious playoff push, but the question hanging over the defending champs is whether they can withstand what’s next: a battle-tested Phoenix squad hungry to expose their weaknesses.

The Fever pushed the Aces to the limit, forcing mistakes and leaving Plum visibly frustrated at times on the floor. Still, when it mattered most, Plum came alive, delivering clutch buckets and steadying her team as they eked out a win that felt more like an escape than a statement. “We survived, but that’s not good enough,” Plum admitted afterward. “If we play like that against Phoenix, we won’t advance.”’

The Indiana matchup revealed cracks in the Aces’ armor. Turnovers piled up, defensive rotations lagged, and their once-dominant tempo stalled under relentless Fever pressure. Even star forward A’ja Wilson looked rattled at points, visibly irritated with officiating and struggling to find rhythm against Indiana’s physicality. The team’s narrow victory left fans wondering whether the back-to-back champions still have the composure to chase another title.

Now comes Phoenix—a franchise fueled by veterans, savvy coaching, and a deep postseason pedigree. The Mercury thrive in high-stakes environments, and their ability to slow down games and exploit mismatches could be the exact formula to trouble Las Vegas. Analysts are already circling the Plum–Diana Taurasi matchup as the series’ most explosive storyline: two guards with fiery personalities and the confidence to take over any game.

Plum acknowledged the challenge ahead, praising Phoenix while also refusing to back down. “They’ve got legends, they’ve got experience, but so do we,” she said. “The difference is going to be discipline. We have to stop beating ourselves.”

For the Aces, that discipline means cutting down on careless turnovers, sharpening late-game execution, and finding ways to keep Wilson consistently engaged. It also means Plum must continue to shoulder offensive responsibilities without forcing plays that stall team flow. Her leadership, both vocally and on the stat sheet, will be critical in setting the tone against a Phoenix squad that thrives on momentum swings.

Fans, meanwhile, are split. Some believe the Fever series was a wake-up call that will sharpen Las Vegas’ focus, while others worry the Aces are running on fumes after two straight championship seasons. Social media lit up after Plum’s candid postgame remarks, with many applauding her honesty but questioning whether the Aces have enough left in the tank.

As the Aces prepare for their next test, the narrative is clear: surviving Indiana was one thing, but surviving Phoenix could define their dynasty. Kelsey Plum knows it, the fans know it, and the league is watching closely to see if Las Vegas still has the fire to back up its reputation.