Simply the best, even in defeat. A’ja Wilson continues to put herself in the goat conversation, doing something unique and unprecedented each and every night.
It seems like every time Wilson steps on the basketball court, something magical takes place. Her career resume is off the charts and like no other. At just 28 years-of-age, Wilson is already a two-time MVP, two-time WNBA Champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star, and last but certainly not least a multi-time Gold Medalist. She is elite!
Despite the Las Vegas Ace’s struggles by their lofty standards this season, they are 18-12 on the year, losing five of their last seven games, Wilson is in the middle of the best season of her career. She is averaging 27.1 points per game, 11.7 rebounds per game, and 2.7 blocks per game.
As impressive as her season has been individually, she absolutely dominated on Tuesday night, scoring 42 points in their loss to the Dallas Wings, 93-90, on Tuesday. Wilson’s 42 points marks the WNBA season high, and she joins elite WNBA company in the process.
This was the third 40-point game of Wilson’s career, making her just the fourth player in WNBA history with three or more 40-point outings. The other players are first-ballot Hall of Famers in their own right, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore.
If that was not enough, she accomplished another remarkable feat with her 42-point effort. Wilson became just the fifth player in the 28-year history of the WNBA to score 40 points or more, on at least 70% shooting from the field. Wilson went 16-22 from the floor on Tuesday, joining more elite company: Liz Cambage, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, and Rhyne Howard.
She is now just one 40-point game away from standing in first place alongside her Team USA teammates.
Embed from Getty ImagesWilson has all but claimed her third MVP Award, with just 10 games remaining in the regular season.
Aces coach Becky Hammon has been worried about Las Vegas’ lack of defense since before the season started. She was asked if, with 10 games left, the Aces can turn it around down the stretch.
“It can get a lot better, clearly, but it’s the attention to detail,” Hammon said. “There are ways we can shave off [opponents’] points just by being disciplined, being alert. We couldn’t defend our lunch in the second half.
“At some point, people have to take accountability. You have to be up in pick-and-roll. You have to block out your man. You have to go help the bigs when they have those big bodies in there crashing every time. When you know exactly what the other team needs to do and you can’t handle it, that’s concerning.
“I can’t make them do it. They have to do it. What am I going to do, pull them out? Anybody I put in there didn’t rebound.”
