A’ja Wilson made more WNBA history Sunday, but the milestone did not change her focus.
Wilson scored 30 points in the Aces’ 98-77 win over Seattle and became the only player in league history to record multiple 1,000-point seasons. She first reached the mark in 2024.
“The first time was cool, obviously, because it was the first time that’s ever happened,” Wilson said. “This go-around, I was just trying to get the win, honestly.”
Las Vegas improved to 29-13 and won its fifth straight game. With two regular-season games left, Wilson made clear that the Aces are not treating this stretch like a victory lap.
Wilson adds another milestone
Wilson finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block. She went 7-of-13 from the field and 16-of-18 at the free throw line.
Her 1,000th point came at the line, which drew a laugh afterward.
“I know I’m going to catch some slack because it was a free throw, because I told myself today I didn’t want it to be a free throw,” Wilson said. “But hey, God had different plans, and I love that.”
Wilson also recorded her 49th career 30-point game. Only Diana Taurasi has more with 54.
Still, Wilson said she did not want the milestone to overshadow the Aces’ current position.
“I think this is a crucial time for us, and we can’t really slack off in different situations,” Wilson said. “So I didn’t really get caught up in a lot of that.”
That did not make the accomplishment any less meaningful.
“But I don’t take this moment for granted,” Wilson said. “When you’re able to be in the record books for the WNBA, it’s a pretty big deal considering how many players have played this game, how many players are playing the game currently.”
Seattle makes the Aces work
The rematch looked different from Thursday’s 114-77 win in Seattle.
Las Vegas built a 15-point first-quarter lead after a 21-2 run, but the Storm fought back. Seattle twice cut the deficit to two points in the second quarter.
Wilson said that kind of game can expose a team that relaxes too early.
“Sometimes the natural human thing you do is relax, but you can’t relax against a team like Seattle,” Wilson said.
She also pushed back on the idea that an eliminated team has nothing left to play for.
“These players are here playing for contracts,” Wilson said. “They’re playing for themselves, their confidence. So it is something to lose.”
The Aces responded by tightening up late. Seattle scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, while Las Vegas forced 18 turnovers and finished with 13 steals.
“For us, I think it was a good test that we can’t sleep,” Wilson said. “We can’t slack off or take anything for granted, whether it’s in the beginning of the season or the end of the season.”
That message fits the moment. Las Vegas has already clinched a playoff spot, but its final seed is still unsettled.
Young stays in rhythm
Jackie Young followed Thursday’s career-high 35-point game with another efficient night.
Young scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting and added eight assists without a turnover. She also scored 12 points during the Aces’ 21-2 first-quarter run.
Wilson used part of her postgame availability to make the case for Young’s All-WNBA candidacy.
“Hell yeah,” Wilson said. “It should come as no surprise.”
Wilson said Young’s two-way consistency is what separates her.
“She shows up every single night, even those nights where she may not feel herself,” Wilson said. “But she’s still able to show up and work on both ends of the basketball.”
Young has now scored 58 points in two games since returning from the World Cup.
Chelsea Gray added 15 points. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus finished with eight points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
Support behind the run
Wilson also had family in the building for the milestone.
Her parents were there, along with Bam. Wilson said having that support around her has become even more meaningful this season.
“My parents are retired, so they can be with me a lot more,” Wilson said. “I love that because they can reap the benefits of the sacrifices they made for me.”
She also credited that support system with helping her maintain the level required for a season like this one.
“It’s always good when you have a good support system,” Wilson said. “It’s the reason why I’m able to show up as me.”
Wilson left Sunday with another place in league history, but her postgame comments kept circling back to the same point.
The record mattered. So did appreciating the people around her. But with two regular-season games left, the Aces still have work in front of them.
Up next
Las Vegas hosts Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
