A’ja Wilson makes WNBA history with first-ever 30-20 game in Aces victory
Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson etched her name in the record books Sunday night, becoming the first player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in a single game during a 94-86 victory over the Connecticut Sun at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Historic performance
Wilson’s dominant display featured:
- 32 points on 13-of-25 shooting
- 20 rebounds (tied career-high)
- 5 assists
- 2 steals
- First-ever 30-20 game in WNBA history
The three-time MVP grabbed nearly as many rebounds as the entire Connecticut team (23), while leading the Aces to their season-best fourth consecutive victory, improving to 18-14.
“She probably could have had one of these in the past,” said Aces head coach Becky Hammon, shaking her head in awe. “I never let her really go to the offensive glass this year, where we’ve been emphasizing that more.”
Birthday week dominance
The historic performance came just two days after Wilson celebrated her 29th birthday with a 29-point outing against Seattle on Friday. Over her last three games, the South Carolina product has been on a tear:
- Averaging nearly 30 points per game
- Three consecutive games with 27+ points
- 14th double-double of the season
The achievement marked Wilson’s sixth career game with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds, tying Tina Charles for the most in WNBA history.
Aces rally from early deficit
Despite Wilson’s dominance, the game started poorly for Las Vegas. Connecticut built a 31-27 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 45-33 midway through the second period on a Tina Charles jumper.
However, the Aces closed the half on a remarkable 12-0 run to tie the game at 45-45 at halftime. Chelsea Gray’s two free throws early in the third quarter gave Las Vegas a 51-50 lead they would never relinquish.
“It was a total team effort,” Wilson said after the game. “We stayed composed when we were down and trusted in each other.”
Supporting cast steps up
While Wilson’s performance will grab headlines, the Aces received crucial contributions throughout the roster:
- Jackie Young: 21 points, 6 assists
- Jewell Loyd: 12 points off the bench
- Dana Evans: 10 points in reserve role
Las Vegas shot just under 50% from the field as a team and dominated the rebounding battle, out-boarding Connecticut 40-23.
Sun struggles continue
For Connecticut, the loss dropped them to a league-worst 5-25 record and extended their losing streak to four games. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, while rookie Saniya Rivers added 17 points and Leila Lacan contributed 13.
The Sun’s inability to maintain their early momentum proved costly, as they were outscored 49-41 in the second half.
MVP-caliber season continues
Wilson entered Sunday’s game averaging 21.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while earning her seventh All-Star selection. Despite the Aces sitting nine games behind the Minnesota Lynx in the standings, Wilson continues to build her case for a fourth MVP award.
Her historic night adds to an already impressive resume that includes:
- 2023 & 2022 WNBA Champion
- 2024, 2022 & 2020 WNBA MVP
- 2023 WNBA Finals MVP
- 2023 & 2022 Defensive Player of the Year
Looking ahead
The Aces’ winning streak comes at a crucial time as they push for playoff positioning. Las Vegas returns to action Wednesday when they host the New York Liberty at Michelob Ultra Arena, followed by a quick road trip to Phoenix on Friday before three more home games.
With Wilson playing at a historic level and the supporting cast finding their rhythm, the defending champions are heating up at the right time as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Image Sources: https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/aja-wilson-makes-wnba-history-032150725.html
Category: Sports
Subcategory: WNBA
Date: 08/11/2025
