LAS VEGAS — A’ja Wilson made WNBA history Sunday night, recording the league’s first-ever 30-20 game as she led the Las Vegas Aces to a 94-86 victory over the Connecticut Sun.
Wilson finished with 32 points on 13-of-25 shooting and pulled down 20 rebounds, marking her 14th double-double of the season and her sixth career game of at least 30 points and 15 rebounds — a mark that ties Tina Charles for the most such performances in WNBA history. The outing was also Wilson’s 30th career 30-point game. This season she became the fastest and the second-youngest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points.
“It’s just A’ja being A’ja,” coach Becky Hammon said, shaking her head in awe. Hammon added that Wilson might have produced a similar stat line previously if the team had allowed her to pursue more offensive rebounds earlier in her career. “I never let her really go to the offensive glass this year, where we’ve been emphasizing that more,” Hammon said.
Wilson, who turned 29 on Friday, expressed gratitude and surprise at the milestone. “I didn’t even know,” she said. “As many greats as we have in this league, it’s kind of a shocker that it’s just now happening. It’s a blessing. I love what I do… anytime that I can come out and just play basketball the way that I love it, and the team, and we’re all getting involved — I’m happy with that.”
Teammate Jackie Young applauded Wilson’s consistency and work ethic, noting that she often attracts double- and triple-teams but still manages to produce elite numbers. “Every night she shows up… she’s a super hard worker, so it’s cool to see her hard work pay off,” Young said.
This performance further cements Wilson’s status as one of the dominant players in the WNBA, combining scoring, rebounding and leadership in a way that continues to push both individual and team standards.
Additional comments and value-added points:
– Significance: The 30-20 line is a historic individual achievement that highlights Wilson’s rare combination of scoring and rebounding ability and sets a new benchmark for WNBA performances.
– Tactical note: Hammon’s recent decision to let Wilson attack the offensive glass more appears to have paid immediate dividends. Increased offensive-rebounding opportunities likely contributed to the 20-rebound total and helped sustain possessions that led to scoring.
– Team impact: While the stat line is individual, it came in a team win, underscoring Wilson’s ability to translate dominant play into positive results for the Aces.
– Context: Tying Tina Charles for the most 30-plus/15-plus games in league history places Wilson alongside one of the WNBA’s all-time elite players and adds to her MVP-era résumé.
– Suggested headline: A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA History with First-Ever 30-20 Game as Aces Top Sun, 94-86
– Suggested tags: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces, WNBA history, Becky Hammon, Jackie Young
Short summary:
A’ja Wilson recorded the WNBA’s first 30-point, 20-rebound game with 32 points and 20 rebounds, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 94-86 win over the Connecticut Sun. The performance was Wilson’s 14th double-double of the season, tied her with Tina Charles for most 30+/15+ games in league history, and added to her growing list of career milestones.
Hopeful angle:
Wilson’s historic outing is a vivid example of elite women’s basketball performance and demonstrates how strategic adjustments — like allowing a dominant post player more freedom on the offensive glass — can unlock new levels of production. Her achievement can inspire younger players and brings positive attention to the league as milestones continue to be set and broken.