A'ja Wilson continued her dominant performance in the WNBA as she recorded another double-double in the Las Vegas Aces' win against the Indiana Fever.
The Aces superstar has been on a scoring tear, solidifying her place as the league's top scorer and further bolstering her team's standings.
Wilson's impressive 27-point performance earlier in the week against the Fever propelled her to the top of the WNBA scoring charts, surpassing Jewell Loyd's record.
With her name etched in WNBA history, Wilson aimed to extend her scoring record and contribute to the Aces' success in their game against the Fever on Friday.
The match marked the second meeting in three days between A'ja Wilson's Aces and Caitlin Clark's Fever. Wilson, coming off a historic game with 27 points and 12 rebounds, was determined to continue her stellar performance and help her team secure another victory.
Although Wilson had a quieter scoring night, her impact on the court was undeniable. She contributed 15 points and an outstanding 17 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and presence inside.
Her performance played a crucial role in the Aces' 15th straight win over the Fever and their 24th victory of the season.
The Fever, on the other hand, faced their first two-game losing streak since the 2024 Paris Olympics break, with the Aces proving to be their toughest competition this season.
By halftime, Wilson had already notched 10 points and eight rebounds, leading with a game-high plus-minus of +15. Her efficient shooting, going 5-for-9 from the field, helped the Aces secure a 43-35 lead.
Kelsey Mitchell, however, led all scorers in the first half with an impressive 19 points.
Wilson continued to make her presence felt in the third quarter, despite a quieter scoring performance. She contributed with four rebounds and an assist to Chelsea Gray for a crucial three-pointer.
As the Fever closed in and tied the game at 60 in the fourth quarter, Wilson and the Aces responded with a 7-2 run, highlighted by a key play from Wilson to regain the lead.
In the closing minutes of the game, with the Aces ahead 69-66, Wilson displayed composure as she got fouled and split her free throws on her first trip to the line.
Despite Caitlin Clark's efforts to trim the lead with a layup, Kelsey Plum's clutch triple extended the Aces' lead to five with only 56 seconds remaining. The Fever fought back, but the Aces ultimately held on for the win.
Wilson's individual stats from the game further underscored her impact on the court:
Player MIN PTS FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A OREB DREB REB AST STL BLK TO PF PLUS-MINUS
A. Wilson 36 15 6-15 0-1 3-4 0 17 17 1 1 2 1 1 9
Despite her record-breaking performance earlier in the week, Wilson remained humble and credited her teammates for her scoring success. In an interview with The Guardian, she emphasized the crucial role of her teammates in her achievements:
"I don’t want to sound cliché, but I don’t get any of that without every single teammate along the way. I’m so grateful to play with such selfless women," Wilson expressed. "My teammates are the heartbeat. They keep me going. I don’t get any points without them passing me the basketball," she added.
Looking ahead, the Aces have three games left in the season, facing off against the playoff-bound Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, and the already-eliminated Dallas Wings.
Wilson, a two-time MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, is poised to lead her team to further success as they approach the playoffs.
Her exceptional contributions have not only solidified her status as one of the league's top players but have also played a pivotal role in the Aces' pursuit of back-to-back championships.
As A'ja Wilson continues to make her mark on the WNBA, her impact transcends individual accolades, reflecting her dedication to teamwork and her unwavering commitment to elevating her team's performance. With each game, she exemplifies what it means to be a true superstar both on and off the court, setting a standard of excellence that inspires her teammates and fans alike.
