A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces made history by breaking the record for the most points in a WNBA season during her team’s 86-75 victory over the Indiana Fever on Wednesday.
Wilson surpassed the previous record of 939 points, set by Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm last season, by sinking a free throw in the first quarter and then hitting a mid-range jumper just before halftime, bringing her total to 956 points for the season. With four regular season games remaining, she needs to average 11 points per game to become the first player in league history to reach 1,000 points in a single season. Wilson currently leads the league in scoring, averaging 27.3 points per game.
Postgame, the two-time MVP shared her gratitude: “It’s a blessing, it really is. I don’t take it for granted. We have phenomenal players in this league, so for my name to be on that list is truly a blessing.” She acknowledged her teammates for their support, stating, “I have to credit my teammates because without them I wouldn’t get the basketball. Their continual support goes a long way.”
Support for Wilson poured in from fellow players, including six-time WNBA All-Star Dawn Staley, her former college coach, who congratulated her for breaking the record. “Giving @_ajawilson22 her flowers for breaking the single-season scoring record is so fulfilling,” Staley tweeted.
Wilson’s teammates also praised her performance, with Alysha Clark remarking on how she consistently uplifts those around her. “The crown is heavy, but she shows up every day and pours into those around her. A’ja exemplifies what it means to be a superstar and a leader,” Clark said.
In addition to her scoring, Wilson achieved a double-double with 12 rebounds, two steals, and three blocks, bringing her season total to 418 rebounds, just 29 short of the single-season record set by Angel Reese.
Other Aces players contributed to the win with Clark scoring 14 points, while Tiffany Hayes added 12 and Chelsea Gray chipped in with 11, helping the Aces improve to 23-13, which places them fourth in the league standings. The Aces are aiming to become only the second WNBA team to secure three consecutive championships.
Meanwhile, the Fever, who are competing for playoff positioning, were led by Kelsey Mitchell with 24 points, while rookie standout Caitlin Clark scored 16 points but struggled with her shooting, making only six of 22 attempts from the field.
Despite the loss, Indiana has seen a resurgence this season and has secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2016, winning seven of their last ten games. They sit at 19-18, 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Mercury, and will seek redemption in a rematch against the Aces on Friday.