A'ja Wilson beats Diana Taurasi to 6,000 points for WNBA record in Aces win

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson reached 6,000 career points on Monday night, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to accomplish the feat. She achieved the milestone in 278 games, surpassing Diana Taurasi’s previous record of 291 games, during a 101-91 victory over the Seattle Storm at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. The milestone came in a game where Wilson dominated statistically, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks. Her teammate NaLyssa Smith noted the Aces had hoped to push her toward a triple-double, though she fell one assist short. Despite this, Wilson’s performance marked the first time a WNBA player recorded a 34-12-9 stat line. Wilson’s record-breaking achievement continues a trend of historic performances since her 2018 draft as the No. 1 overall pick out of South Carolina. Coach Becky Hammon highlighted Wilson’s humility and relentless work ethic, stating that she remains driven and expects nothing but hard work. Hammon described Wilson’s offensive versatility as unguardable, emphasizing her ability to excel in every area of the court. The Aces took an early lead in the second quarter with a 19-6 run, extending their halftime advantage to 50-43, largely due to Wilson’s 21 points in the first half. She shot 10 of 19 from the field, including three three-pointers, and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line. Hammon has strategically positioned Wilson as the team’s primary playmaker, allowing her to operate as the point guard. Wilson’s journey to becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer reflects her consistent excellence and adaptability. With four MVP awards under her belt, including her first in 2020 before Hammon joined the Aces, she continues to redefine expectations for centers in the league. Hammon acknowledged Wilson’s ability to break records daily, predicting even greater achievements in the future. At 29 years old, Wilson remains focused on her craft, attributing her success to her teammates and faith. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside top-tier talent, reinforcing her commitment to continued growth and success in the WNBA.