A’ja Wilson Shatters Records in Aces Victory
Historic 30-Point, 20-Rebound Performance Powers Las Vegas Past Sun
A’ja Wilson delivered an electrifying, record-breaking performance on Sunday night, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a crucial 94-86 win over the Connecticut Sun.
A League of Her Own
Wilson etched her name in WNBA history, becoming the first player ever to achieve a 30-point, 20-rebound game. She amassed 32 points and matched her career high with 20 boards, while efficiently shooting 13-of-25 from the floor.
A’ja Wilson is the first player in WNBA history with a 30-point, 20-rebound game. pic.twitter.com/d1l5M7g7yX
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) July 8, 2024
This monumental outing followed a strong 29-point performance on her 29th birthday just two nights prior, where the Aces also secured a victory against the Seattle Storm.
Comeback Seals the Win
Despite an early double-digit deficit in the second quarter, the Aces mounted an impressive comeback. They held the Sun scoreless for the remainder of the first half, tying the game before heading into the locker room. The momentum carried into the third quarter, with **Chelsea Gray**’s free throws sparking a run that gave Las Vegas the lead, a position they maintained throughout the contest.
Sun’s Struggles Continue
For the Connecticut Sun, Marina Mabrey led the scoring with 22 points, shooting 8-of-16. Saniya Rivers contributed 17 points off the bench, and Leila Lacan added 13. These were the only players to reach double figures for Connecticut, whose loss drops them to a league-worst 5-25 record.
Aces Climb the Standings
Jackie Young also had a significant impact for the Aces, scoring 21 points and dishing out six assists, complementing Wilson‘s dominant display. Jewell Loyd added 12 points from the bench. The team’s collective shooting hovered near 50%, and they outrebounded the Sun by a commanding 17 boards. This win marks their sixth in their last seven games, improving their season record to 18-14.
Wilson’s MVP Caliber Season
Wilson is currently averaging an impressive 21.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this season. Already a three-time league MVP, she recently earned her seventh All-Star selection. While the Aces trail the Minnesota Lynx by nine games, Wilson‘s recent scoring surge, averaging nearly 30 points in her last three games, suggests she is capable of carrying the team through the remainder of the season and making a playoff push.
In fact, Wilson‘s 32 points and 20 rebounds mark the most points scored by any player in the WNBA this season in a game where they also grabbed at least 20 boards. According to Basketball-Reference.com, this statistical category had only been achieved 13 times in the league’s history before Sunday’s game.