A'ja Wilson Makes WNBA History, First Player to Score 1,000 Points in a Season
A'ja after making history for the WNBA. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Las Vegas Aces Star Breaks Barriers and Dominates on Both Ends of the Court
A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ powerhouse forward, made WNBA history on Sunday, becoming the first player ever to score 1,000 points in a single season. Wilson’s remarkable achievement came during the Aces’ 84-71 win over the Connecticut Sun, solidifying her place in the history books of women’s basketball.
The moment arrived with just two minutes left in the game, when Wilson nailed a pull-up jumper from the elbow, reaching the monumental mark. Just days earlier, Wilson had broken the single-season scoring record set by Jewell Loyd last year. Her Las Vegas teammates immediately called timeout to celebrate her accomplishment, mobbing her with joy as the home crowd erupted into applause.
Wilson, visibly moved, clapped her hands and acknowledged the roaring ovation, a well-deserved recognition for a player whose dominance has defined the season. "It’s not just about scoring—it’s about leaving a legacy," Wilson said post-game. "I want to continue raising the bar for the next generation of players."
Aces Surge Toward Playoffs
The win wasn’t just about Wilson’s individual success, as the Aces (25-13) are heating up at the perfect time, riding a wave of seven wins in their last eight games. The victory gives Las Vegas a one-game lead over the Seattle Storm for the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, with home-court advantage on the line in the first round. Wilson’s historic performance was pivotal, but the Aces also got key contributions from Kelsey Plum, who scored 14 points, including a critical 3-pointer that gave Las Vegas the lead for good late in the first half.
Connecticut (27-11), on the other hand, trails the Minnesota Lynx by two games for the No. 2 seed and will have to regroup before facing the Aces again on Tuesday in a crucial matchup.
Wilson’s Dominance
Wilson was unstoppable on both ends of the floor, especially during the third quarter when she scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and swatted away two shots. She finished the game with 29 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and knocking down both of her attempts from beyond the arc. The Sun, unable to contain Wilson’s dominance, struggled to keep pace, especially during a dismal third quarter in which they shot just 25% from the field.
The Aces stretched their eight-point halftime lead to 71-51 by the start of the fourth quarter, and the game was all but decided.
Sun’s Struggles and Bright Spots
Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 18 points, and Brionna Jones added 17 points and nine rebounds, but their efforts weren’t enough to stop the red-hot Aces. Jones has been on fire this month, averaging 20.1 points per game on 66% shooting, but even her strong performance couldn’t overshadow Wilson’s brilliance.
The Sun’s poor shooting from beyond the arc (0-of-5 in the third quarter) and inability to string together consistent stops defensively sealed their fate.
Wilson’s Season by the Numbers
Wilson’s record-breaking season has been nothing short of extraordinary. She currently leads the WNBA in scoring, averaging 26.87 points per game, and ranks second in rebounds with 11.87 boards per contest. She also ranks fifth in steals (1.79 per game) and leads the league in blocks, swatting away 2.58 shots per game. Her versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor are unmatched, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down as the playoffs approach.
The Aces now look to solidify their playoff standing, and with Wilson leading the charge, Las Vegas has its eyes on a deep postseason run. For A'ja Wilson, though, this moment is about more than just points—it’s about etching her name into the WNBA’s rich history.
The future looks bright for both Wilson and the Aces, and if her recent performances are any indication, this is only the beginning of a legendary career.
