Already having arguably among the finest seasons in WNBA historical past, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson achieved a league-first on Sunday.
Within the Aces’ 84-71 victory, Wilson led the way in which with a team-high 29 factors. The output helped her grow to be the primary participant in league historical past to succeed in 1,000 factors in a single season.
To place Wilson’s accomplishment into context, solely six gamers in WNBA historical past have eclipsed 800 factors in a season, per Stathead. In the meantime, solely three gamers have topped 900 factors, together with Jewell Loyd (939, 2023) and Breanna Stewart (919, 2023). The 27-year-old Wilson is the one participant to do it twice, although, having achieved the feat this 12 months and final (912).
Wilson ought to get used to celebrating information as she’s more likely to set one other within the Aces’ subsequent sport, Tuesday on the Seattle Storm. Recording eight rebounds on Sunday, she has 443 on the 12 months, 4 shy of overtaking Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese (446) for the single-season mark.
Wilson’s penchant for scoring is well-known, however her unbelievable rebounding numbers place her amongst uncommon firm, too. She’s the fourth WNBA participant to seize 400 or extra boards in a season, becoming a member of Reese, Sylvia Fowles (404, 2018) and Jonquel Jones (403, 2017).
Together with reaching the 1,000-point mark and the rebounding crown to return, Wilson has a resume bursting on the seams with notable achievements. A two-time MVP and WNBA champion, she’s additionally a former Rookie of the Yr (2018) and has earned quite a few All-WNBA (4x), All-Defensive Workforce (3x) and Defensive Participant of the Yr (2x) honors.
With Reese and Rookie of the Yr Award favourite Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever breaking onto the scene, there are extra eyes than ever on the league. That ought to rightfully result in extra pub for Wilson, who’s arguably among the finest gamers in WNBA historical past solely seven seasons into her profession.