A’ja Wilson reminded everyone why she’s the reigning WNBA MVP, making a statement and history in the Las Vegas Aces’ 86-75 win over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Wilson posted a double-double in the victory, recording a game-high 27 points and 12 boards. Meanwhile, the future Hall of Famer etched her name into the WNBA record books, setting the single-season record for points in a season (956 and counting), passing Jewell Loyd (939 points, 2023).
Now, Wilson owns the first and fourth-highest (912 points, 2023) scoring seasons in WNBA history. Furthermore, she’s only 44 points from becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career points.
Wednesday’s contest was tight for most of the night, giving off a playoff-like vibe. That is until Wilson took over down the stretch, eliminating any hopes that Clark and company had of pulling off an upset.
With 7:19 remaining, a pair of free throws from NaLyssa Smith helped the Fever pull to within six points of the Aces, 72-66. However, Wilson outscored Indiana herself from there, notching 11 of Las Vegas’ 14 points the rest of the way.
Conversely, Clark, who has recently gained a push for MVP consideration, struggled a bit in the marquee matchup. The No. 1 pick shot just 27.3 percent from the field (6-of-22) and finished 1-of-10 from three-point range, but still managed to notch 16 points, six assists and three rebounds in the loss.
Kelsey Mitchell picked up the slack, keeping the Fever within arm’s reach well into the fourth quarter. The two-time All-Star scored a team-high 24 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc to reach 100 three-pointers for the second consecutive season.
However, it wasn’t enough to stop Wilson, who posted at least 27 points and 12 rebounds in a game for the 21st time in her career. That remains the most in WNBA history, six more than any other player, per Stathead.
