A’ja Wilson added another historic performance to her career in the WNBA. Playing in her ninth season, the Las Vegas Aces center scored 45 points in a 101-94 win over the Connecticut Sun.
Wilson shot 15-for-18 from the field and made all 13 of her free throw attempts. This performance marked her fifth career 40-point game, which is the most in WNBA history. She’s also the only player in WNBA history to score 45 or more points on 80% shooting from the field.
Wilson’s Sentimental Return to Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena holds significance for Wilson. She made her WNBA debut on the Sun’s home court, scoring 14 points along with 10 rebounds on May 21, 2018. Wilson and the Aces were crowned WNBA champions on that court three years later.
“This building has been special to me for a while,” she said. “Got my first WNBA point in this building, won our first championship in this building. And now we’re leaving here with something, but it’s definitely been a lot fun coming here. We make the most out of it, and I think we get closer when we come to Mohegan. … Gonna miss this place.”
This was likely her last game there, as the Sun organization is set to move and rebrand next season in the return of the Houston Comets.
Aces Secure Victory Over the Sun
Chennedy Carter added 18 points off the bench for the Aces. The Aces have now won three straight games since their opening-night defeat against the Phoenix Mercury.
Chelsea Gray, who recorded 10 assists and seven rebounds, highlighted Wilson’s performance. “You can’t get bored watching greatness,” Gray said. “I’m around it all the time, but I’m surprised every day. I never want to get to the spot where I’m comfortable.”
Gray also noted Wilson making all of her free throws. “This is historic,” Wilson responded.
Aces coach Becky Hammon mentioned that Wilson made both of her 3-point attempts, in addition to her perfect free-throw record.
Sun’s Comeback Falls Short
Second-year guard Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points for Connecticut. The Sun trailed 69-56 with just under four minutes to go in the third quarter before Saniya Rivers led a 14-3 run to bring the team within two points of the Aces lead.
That was as close as it got for the Sun. They were without Brittney Griner for the second consecutive game due to a left foot injury, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa was also out with a right ankle injury.
Wilson, who will turn 30 this year, said playing against the Sun made her feel young again. “Playing against a young team is always exciting to me because it’s a good measuring stick on my conditioning,” she said. “Because they’re just running and gunning.
Wilson is only four games into her ninth WNBA season.