Entertainment
WNBA’s A’ja Wilson Makes History with 30-Point, 20-Rebound Double-Double
NEED TO KNOW
- A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces made WNBA history on Aug. 10 in a game against the Connecticut Sun
- The Aces star became the first player in the league to record a 30-point, 20-rebound double-double
- Wilson’s record-breaking feat helped the team nab a 94-86 win over the Sun
A’ja Wilson just solidified her name in the history books.
The Las Vegas Aces star made WNBA history this weekend when she became the first player in the league to record a 30-point, 20-rebound double-double.
Wilson, who turned 28 three days prior, ended the game with 32 points and 20 rebounds to go with five assists and two steals as the Aces finished with a 94-86 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, Aug. 10.
It was the three-time WNBA MVP’s 14th double-double of the season and her sixth career game with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds. She tied Tina Charles for the most in WNBA history, according to ESPN.
Now, Wilson — who is currently in her eighth season with the WNBA — also has 30 career games with at least 30 points, tied for third all-time with Breanna Stewart.
“It’s huge,” she said, per ESPN. “I didn’t even know, as many greats as we have in this league, it’s kind of a shocker that it’s just now happening. It’s a blessing. I love what I do.”
“I love it so much, so anytime that I can come out and just play basketball the way that I love it, and the team, and we’re all getting involved — I’m happy with that,” the star center continued.
“It’s pretty cool to have my name in the record books when it comes to that. I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a lot following up,” she added. “So yeah, it’s pretty cool to kind of be the first one.”
Wilson becoming the first player in the league to register a 30-20 double-double came as no surprise to Aces coach Becky Hammon.
“It’s just A’ja being A’ja,” she said, per ESPN, of her star player’s history-making accomplishment.
“She probably could have had one of these in the past,” she added. “I never let her really go to the offensive glass this year, where we’ve been emphasizing that more.”
The Aces, who have now won four straight games with a 18-14 record, move to sixth in the WNBA standings.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Wilson’s recent achievement was just her latest history-making moment. Earlier this season, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points.
The Aces take on the defending champion New York Liberty in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Read the full article here