LAS VEGAS – In a remarkable display of skill and precision, A’ja Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to a commanding 85-59 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday night, reaching a significant career milestone in the process. Wilson scored 22 points and became the fastest player in WNBA history to achieve 5,000 career points, hitting this landmark in only 238 games.
Wilson’s significant moment came with about four minutes remaining in the first quarter, as she executed a driving left-hand layup that placed her in the record books. Wilson’s journey to the 5,000-point club bested Breanna Stewart’s previous record of 242 games, with Wilson now holding a career tally of 5,015 points.
This defeat marks a particularly tough spell for Connecticut, who fell to a record of 2-13 with their most recent loss, extending their losing streak to seven overall, and six straight against the Aces, following an earlier defeat on May 20 with a score of 87-62.
Jackie Young contributed significantly to the Aces’ victory, adding 20 points. Chelsea Gray also made her mark with 15 points, alongside an impressive seven rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Jewell Loyd wasn’t far behind scoring 13 points. The trio was instrumental in Las Vegas’ outside game, each hitting three of the team’s 11 successful 3-point shots.
Starting strong, the Aces raced ahead with the game’s first 19 consecutive points. The Sun struggled early, failing to score on their first 10 attempts and committing five turnovers. Lindsay Allen finally broke their drought with a short jumper late in the first quarter.
For the Sun, Tina Charles led the fight with 18 points, supported by Olivia Nelson-Ododa who put up 12 points, and Saniya Rivers who added 10. However, the Sun’s shooting woes continued, as they converted just 32% of their field goal attempts and only 15% from beyond the arc.
The absence of Marina Mabrey, sidelined for a second game due to a knee injury, clearly affected Connecticut’s dynamics.
The Aces entered this game with renewed vigor following an 89-81 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, breaking a challenging three-game losing streak, their longest since being swept in the 2020 WNBA Finals by Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, the Connecticut Sun will continue their road trip, facing Seattle on Friday, the third of four consecutive away games. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces are set to host Washington on Thursday, aiming to maintain their momentum.