LAS VEGAS — A’ja Wilson scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds — her WNBA-record 17th game this season with 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds — to help the Las Vegas Aces beat the Los Angeles Sparks 87-71 on Sunday.
Wilson broke her own single-season record for 20-10 games of 16, set in 2023. The 6-foot-4 centre has scored at least 20 points and grabbed 10-plus rebounds in eight consecutive games, also a WNBA record. The two-time WNBA MVP is averaging 29.3 points, 14.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks while shooting 53 per cent (85 of 161) from the field and 93.3 per cent (56 of 60) from the free-throw line during that span.
Kelsey Plum hit four three-pointers and finished with 18 points, Tiffany Hayes scored 11 and Jackie Young 10 for Las Vegas (17-9).
Rickea Jackson led Los Angeles (6-21) with 15 points. Dearica Hamby added 13 points, 11 rebounds and four steals and Canadian Kia Nurse scored 12 points — 10 in the first half.
Nurse, a Hamilton native, hit a three-pointer for the Sparks that tied the score midway through the second quarter but Wilson hit a short jumper and Plum scored in the lane before Hayes made a three-pointer to make it 38-31 less than two minutes later and Las Vegas led the rest of the way.
Wilson hit a short step-back jumper that gave the Aces their biggest lead of the game at 51-39 with 7:20 left in the third quarter. Jackson and Hamby each scored four points in a 10-1 run that made it a three-point game midway through the period but Los Angeles got no closer.
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and Los Angeles Clippers coach Ty Lue watched courtside.
In a thrilling showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks, A’ja Wilson proved to be the difference maker as she led her team to a 99-75 victory with an impressive 34-point performance.
Wilson, the former WNBA MVP, showcased her dominance on both ends of the court, scoring efficiently and making her presence felt in the paint with her rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. Her performance was a reminder of why she is considered one of the top players in the league.
From the opening tip-off, Wilson set the tone for the Aces, scoring at will and creating mismatches for the Sparks’ defense. Her ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact made her a nightmare for defenders to contain.
But it wasn’t just Wilson’s scoring that made a difference in this game. She also made an impact on the defensive end, using her length and athleticism to disrupt the Sparks’ offense and force turnovers. Her ability to protect the rim and alter shots made it difficult for the Sparks to get into a rhythm offensively.
Wilson’s performance was a reminder of why she is considered a franchise player for the Aces. Her leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in the team’s success this season, and her ability to elevate her game in big moments like this one is a testament to her talent and work ethic.
As the Aces continue their quest for a championship, they can take comfort in knowing that they have a player like A’ja Wilson leading the way. Her performance against the Sparks was a statement to the rest of the league that she is a force to be reckoned with, and that the Aces are a team to be feared.