A’ja Wilson showcased an exceptional performance, tallying 36 points, 14 rebounds, and six steals, propelling the Las Vegas Aces to a 95-81 victory over the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night.
Wilson’s remarkable feat marked a historic milestone in the WNBA, as she became the first player ever to achieve at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals in a single game. Her impact was immediate, contributing 12 points to her team’s opening 20, while Tiffany Hayes, newly adorned in a Las Vegas uniform, added to the commanding lead, establishing a 22-6 advantage.
The Aces maintained their dominance throughout the game, ending the first quarter with a 29-16 lead, fueled by an impressive 63% shooting from the field. Despite Dallas mounting a rally in the first half, narrowing the gap to 47-42 by halftime, Wilson’s standout performance remained consistent, notching 20 points and nine field goals for Las Vegas.
In the second half, Jackie Young’s consecutive 3-pointers extended the Aces’ lead to 63-52, with Alysha Clark further bolstering their advantage with a timely 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, securing a 78-61 lead.
Contributing to Las Vegas’ victory, Kelsey Plum delivered a noteworthy performance with 20 points, while Young, despite battling illness earlier, added 19 points. Hayes, a recent addition to the Aces lineup, showcased her prowess with 11 points after her debut on Friday.
On the opposing side, Arike Ogunbowale led the charge for the Wings, scoring 31 points, maintaining her consistent scoring streak. Teaira McCowan’s performance included a notable milestone as she sank her first career 3-pointer in the first half, ultimately finishing with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Maddy Siegrist and Monique Billings contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, for the Wings.
The victory propelled Las Vegas to a 5-2 record for the season, while Dallas fell to 3-5 despite their valiant efforts.
