A’ja Wilson matched the single-game WNBA scoring record of 53 points to fuel the visiting Las Vegas Aces to a 112-100 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night.
Wilson became the third player in WNBA history to eclipse 50 points in a single game, joining Liz Cambage (53, 2018) and Riquna Williams (51, 2013).
Wilson made 16 of 23 shots from the floor and was 20-of-21 from the foul line, the most free throws she’s attempted and made in a game for her career.
The two-time WNBA MVP eclipsed her previous career high of 40 points, set during Las Vegas’ 113-89 win over the Washington Mystics on Aug. 11.
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In addition to her record-setting offense, Wilson made an impact defensively. She contributed 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, giving her 70 blocks on the season to lead the WNBA. She held the Dream to 3-of-14 shooting when she contested a shot attempt.
Las Vegas benefited from a 26-13 run that spanned the third quarter en route to completing a four-game season sweep of the Dream.
Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard scored 27 points in her return from a one-game absence due to facial and knee injuries. Haley Jones had a career-high 23 points, and Danielle Robinson added a season-high 17 points for the short-handed Dream, who have lost four of their past five games. Allisha Gray (ankle) and Nia Coffey (hand) sat out for Atlanta.
| Year | Player | Points* |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Riquna Williams | 35 |
| 2023 | Diana Taurasi | 32 |
| 2023 | A’ja Wilson | 31 |
| 2016 | Maya Moore | 31 |
| 1997 | Cynthia Cooper | 31 |
| *All 2nd halves | ||
The Aces kept the pressure on in the fourth quarter, with Gray sinking a long pull-up jumper and Young converting from 3-point range to extend their advantage to 87-70.
Wilson made a pair of free throws, two driving layups and a short jumper on consecutive possessions to push Las Vegas’ lead to 97-79. The Aces were not threatened the rest of the way.
Wilson made four free throws in the final minute of the game to reach her record-tying point total. She now has 735 points this season, passing Plum (726 in 2022) for the most in a season in Aces history.
The Aces reached 100-plus points for the ninth time this season in securing their 29th win, tying the 2014 Mercury for most wins in a season in WNBA history (Phoenix went 29-5 in a 34-game season in 2014).
ESPN Stats & Information and Reuters contributed to this report.
