The hit was nasty. The response was louder. Lexie Hull didn’t stay silent, and the Indiana Fever didn’t just win — they dismantled the reigning champs. Now the WNBA has a new rivalry, and the sparks are flying

The Indiana Fever have officially sent a message to the league — and to the Las Vegas Aces. And it didn’t just happen on the scoreboard.

During last night’s nationally televised matchup, Lexie Hull took a hard, controversial foul from A’ja Wilson midway through the third quarter — a moment that had fans screaming “dirty play!” from the stands and all over social media.

But it wasn’t just the hit that went viral. It was what Hull said after the game that turned heads — and may have just ignited one of the most heated player rivalries of the season.

“If she wanted to intimidate me, it didn’t work. We’re not scared of anyone anymore.”

Oof. Shots fired. Loud and clear.

THE FOUL THAT STARTED IT ALL

With 5:22 left in the third and the Fever up by 12, Hull drove hard to the basket for a fastbreak layup. Wilson — trailing the play — delivered a strong swipe across the arms and body, sending Hull crashing to the floor.

The refs immediately blew the whistle and called a flagrant 1.

Replay showed Wilson making minimal attempt at the ball and extending her arm midair — a move that many analysts say crossed the line from “hard foul” to deliberate contact.

“That wasn’t basketball,” one ESPN commentator said.
“That was frustration.”

LEXIE HULL: “I’M DONE BEING PUSHED AROUND”

After the game, reporters asked Hull how she felt about the hit. Her response?

“I’ve taken hits all season. From the same people. Tonight, we hit back — on the scoreboard. That’s all I’m gonna say.”

But she didn’t stop there. When pressed about whether she felt the play was intentional, Hull raised an eyebrow and replied:

“Watch the tape.”

Within minutes, fans and analysts began circulating the replay, some zooming in on Wilson’s glare and body language in the seconds after the foul.

The court may have cooled off — but the internet was on fire.

INDIANA FEVER: TOTAL DOMINANCE

The Fever didn’t just walk away with a win. They walked away with a statement.

Final score: Fever 98, Aces 74

Caitlin Clark: 29 PTS, 9 AST, 6 REB

Aliyah Boston: 22 PTS, 13 REB

Lexie Hull: 14 PTS, 3 STL — and one mic-drop quote

It was one of the most lopsided losses the Las Vegas Aces have taken in two years, and fans noticed how Wilson was benched for most of the fourth quarter, possibly due to foul trouble… or frustration.

“They came in cocky. They left silent,” one fan posted.
“The Fever aren’t rookies anymore. They’re killers.”

A’JA WILSON: SILENT — FOR NOW

A’ja Wilson did not speak to media postgame.

The Aces released a short statement saying:

“We respect the officials’ decision. We’ll review film and move forward.”

But the silence from Wilson — usually outspoken and vocal — was noticeable, especially given her history of subtle jabs at Caitlin Clark and the Fever earlier in the season.

Some speculate her frustration boiled over into intentional physical play.

FANS ARE PICKING SIDES

The WNBA community is deeply divided after the incident:

“That was a dirty foul and Lexie handled it like a pro.”

“Lexie is soft. This is playoff-level basketball. Toughen up.”

“A’ja’s not used to losing and it shows.”

“We love A’ja, but that was not it tonight.”

The hashtag #FreeLexie and #DirtyAces started trending just hours after the final buzzer.

IS A RIVALRY BREWING?

With both teams on playoff paths and fanbases growing more vocal by the week, many believe the WNBA’s next must-watch rivalry isn’t just Clark vs. Reese — it’s Fever vs. Aces, and more specifically…

Lexie Hull vs. A’ja Wilson.

“This is the kind of fire the league needs,” said sportswriter Myles Parker.
“Two stars. Two strong teams. And now? Real emotion. That’s what brings fans in.”

BOTTOM LINE:

A’ja Wilson’s hard foul on Lexie Hull has fans crying foul

Lexie didn’t back down — on the court or in front of the mic

The Fever crushed the Aces, and left the arena with all the momentum

This wasn’t just a game.This was a message.

And Lexie Hull just sent it loud and clear: Indiana isn’t backing down anymore.