Stephen A. Smith reacts to A’ja Wilson’s behavior during Fever game

A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces lost 99-89 to the Indiana Fever on Tuesday. The home team’s victory forced a Game 3 on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the next round. However, an incident in the fourth quarter involving the superstar forward and a fan at Gainbridge Fieldhouse continues to garner a lot of attention. Many have shared their take about it, including Stephen A. Smith.

Wilson finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Jackie Young led the way for the visitors with a game-high 31 points on 13-of-13 from the free-throw line, along with four rebounds and five assists.

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark delivered a historic performance for Indiana. She recorded 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting, seven rebounds, 15 assists and five three-pointers. Kelsey Mitchell supplied 26 points and Aliyah Boston recorded 22 points, four rebounds and five assists.

Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) holds the ball while Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22 — Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) holds the ball while Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) defends.

Stephen A. Smith discusses A’ja Wilson, fan incident during Indiana Fever game

The veteran sports analyst chimed in on the controversy on Wednesday. He highlighted his admiration for Wilson’s game but made it clear that he thinks she overreacted. Smith also emphasized that the fan did not appear to be approaching the four-time MVP.

“I think that she’s the best player in the world,” Smith said. “I think she’s a superstar basketball player and a great person who should be revered. She doesn’t bother anybody, she plays her heart out and she’s a champion and a league MVP. She is something special. But I think that particular instance, based on what we saw on camera and what the arena stated after the investigation into the matter, I think it looks like an overreaction. When you tangle with another player, a fan standing up and pointing at you is not a crime.

“He’s a fan of the opposing team. What did you mean he was walking towards you or approaching you? It more seems like if you look at her, she’s all the way on the court and she’s really walking towards him and then stepping to him just because he’s standing there and pointing. What is he doing? I don’t understand. What is he doing? She’s the one that’s coming over there like that.”

“It looks like an overreaction.”

—@stephenasmith on A’ja Wilson getting T’d up after confronting a Fever fan in Game 2 loss pic.twitter.com/OFwCiBM2g3

— First Take (@FirstTake) September 30, 2026

Thursday’s matchup will be played at Michelob Ultra Arena at 9 p.m. ET. The winner will take on either the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries or the No. 7 Dallas Wings. Wilson is expected to be at her best to lead her team to victory. However, Clark and Co. are aiming for an upset and live up to preseason expectations.