A’ja Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to score 1,000 points in a single season, finishing with 29 points in the Las Vegas Aces’ 84-71 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.
Wilson achieved this milestone with a pull-up shot from the elbow with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Earlier in the week, she had already broken the single-season scoring record set by Jewell Loyd last year.
After reaching the milestone, the Aces called a timeout, and her teammates celebrated with her. Wilson then acknowledged the cheering crowd with a clap.
The Aces (25-13) are now leading the Seattle Storm by one game for the No. 4 playoff seed and home-court advantage in that series. Las Vegas has won seven of their last eight games.
Connecticut (27-11) is two games behind the Minnesota Lynx for the No. 2 seed. The Sun will face the Lynx in Connecticut on Tuesday.
During the third quarter, the Sun struggled, making only 4 of 16 shots from the field and none of their 5 attempts from 3-point range. This allowed the Aces to extend their lead from eight points at halftime to 71-51 by the end of the third quarter.
Wilson was particularly strong in this period, making 6 of 8 shots from the field, including both of her 3-point attempts, and contributing 14 points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 18 points, while Brionna Jones scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Tyasha Harris added 16 points.
Kelsey Plum, who scored 14 points, hit a crucial 3-pointer to give the Aces the lead and triggered an 11-1 run that put them ahead 48-40 at halftime with a step-back jumper.
