A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA History with Career-High 53 Points in Aces’ Victory
In a remarkable display of skill and prowess, A’ja Wilson made WNBA history by dropping a career-high 53 points to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a resounding 112-100 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Wilson’s performance matched the WNBA’s single-game scoring record and marked only the third time in the league’s history that a player has achieved the 50-point mark.
The game took place at the Gateway Center in Georgia on Tuesday night, and Wilson’s dominance on the court was evident from the start. Shooting an impressive 16-of-23 from the field, Wilson showcased her efficiency while also converting her sole three-pointer attempt. However, it was her exceptional free-throw shooting that truly stood out, as she sank an incredible 20-of-21 attempts from the charity stripe.
Notably, Wilson’s 53-point outburst matches the previous record set by Liz Cambage in 2018 when she was with the Dallas Wings. Additionally, Riquna Williams holds the distinction of the only other player in WNBA history to record a 50-point game, achieved in 2013 with the Tulsa Shock against San Antonio.
Although the Aces initially struggled to find their rhythm, they turned the tide in the third quarter. Holding Atlanta to just 13 points in the period and keeping them scoreless for the final four minutes, the Aces seized control of the game. With a 14-point lead at halftime, their largest of the night up to that point, they maintained their composure to secure a well-deserved 12-point victory.
While Wilson undoubtedly stole the spotlight, it was a collective effort from the Aces that led to their success. Kelsey Plum added 20 points and contributed seven assists, showcasing her versatility on the court. Meanwhile, Chelsey Gray came tantalizingly close to achieving a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. Their combined efforts, along with the team’s stellar shooting performance, with nearly 51% accuracy from the field, further solidified the Aces’ dominance.
On the opposing side, Rhyne Howard led the Atlanta Dream with an impressive performance, amassing 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Haley Jones also made significant contributions off the bench, scoring 23 points, while Danielle Robinson added 17 points to the team’s effort. Unfortunately, the loss against the Aces marked Atlanta’s fourth defeat in five games, highlighting the challenges they currently face.
For Wilson and the Aces, this victory serves as a testament to their unwavering determination and skill. With five wins in their last seven games, the team continues to make strides in their pursuit of success. As the WNBA season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Wilson’s historic performance will motivate and inspire her teammates, as well as the league as a whole.
