WNBA Roundup: A’ja Wilson units scoring document as Aces beat Fever, Liberty go to Wings tonight

Good morning WNBA! The massive story of the day is A’ja Wilson, who set a brand new single-season WNBA scoring document in final evening’s Las Vegas Aces win over the Indiana Fever. She scored 27 factors, growing her complete for the yr to 956, and finally breaking Jewell Loyd’s document from final season.

It comes as the newest accolade in an extended checklist for the two-time MVP. After the win, Wilson expressed reduction about getting the document out of the way in which, whereas additionally sharing gratitude for her teammates.

“It feels nice as a result of now individuals will cease speaking about it,” she stated. “Felt prefer it was identical to lingering, lingering, lingering, so I’m glad that we bought it accomplished.”

Aces’ guard Alysha Clark praised Wilson for what she’s achieved this season, tearing up with emotion within the postgame presser.

“In the future she’s not going to be right here. She’s going to retire and go on and dwell her life, and individuals are going to marvel at what she’s accomplished. And I’m like, marvel at it now,” Clark stated. “It’s spectacular as hell.”

Now, Wilson is simply 44 factors away from changing into the primary WNBA participant to attain 1,000 factors in a season. She’ll additionally break the single-season rebounding document if she grabs 29 extra boards this season. The Aces have 4 video games left to play this yr, so it’s very possible she’ll attain each of these marks.

Right here’s a take a look at yesterday’s recreation outcomes:

• The Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever, 86-75: In her return from a one-game absence, Wilson posted 27 factors, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a pair of steals. Alysha Clark added 14 off the bench, whereas Tiffany Hayes scored 12. For the Fever, Caitlin Clark had an off evening, scoring 16 factors on 6-22 taking pictures alongside 6 assists and 5 turnovers, whereas Kelsey Mitchell led the way in which with 24 factors.
• The Washington Mystics crushed the Chicago Sky: The Mystics keep alive within the battle for the #8 seed with final evening’s 89-58 win, during which they had been led by rookie Aaaliyah Edwards (15 factors, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Brittney Sykes (14 factors, 8 rebounds, 7 assists). The Sky struggled with out Angel Reese, however had been led by Chennedy Carter (16 factors, 7-13 FG) and Kamilla Cardoso (13 factors, 8 rebounds, 3 assists).
• The Seattle Storm edged out the Los Angeles Sparks: Skylar Diggins-Smith continued her scorching play in final evening’s 90-82 win, recording 26 factors (10-13 FG), 5 assists, 4 steals, and three blocks. Midseason acquisition Gabby Williams added 17 factors, Nneka Ogwumike chipped in with 16, and Ezi Magbegor added 14 factors, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, and three assists. For the losers, Rickea Jackson led the way in which with 22 factors, whereas Azura Stevens added 18 factors and 15 rebounds.

Tonight: the New York Liberty go to the Dallas Wings at 8pm ET

Photograph by Sam Hodde/Getty Pictures

There’s just one recreation on the books for Thursday, and it’s the league’s high workforce squared up in opposition to the second-worst one. The Liberty have one 4 straight video games and have all however locked up the #1 seed, whereas Dallas has already been eradicated from playoff rivalry. Sabrina Ionescu has struggled offensively since struggling a neck damage a number of weeks in the past, whereas Breanna Stewart has discovered her rhythm — she’s averaging 22.9 factors on 46.8% taking pictures, together with 44.2% from three, for the reason that break.

The Wing’s Arike Ogunbowale has additionally been quite a bit higher — she’s averaged 23.5 factors on 44.7% from the sector for the reason that Olympics — but it surely hasn’t made a lot of a distinction as Dallas continues to battle. Natasha Howard has additionally been a high ten scorer for the reason that Olympics, averaging 19.2 factors on 46.5% taking pictures.

The sport can be broadcast on Prime Video.

Up to date WNBA Standings

The #8 seed stays up for grabs with the Sky’s loss to the Mystics final evening. The Sky, Dream, and Mystics all at present sit inside a recreation of each other within the standings.

1. New York Liberty (30-6)
2. Minnesota Lynx (27-9)
3. Connecticut Solar (26-10)
4. Las Vegas Aces (23-13)
5. Seattle Storm (22-14)
6. Indiana Fever (19-18)
7. Phoenix Mercury (17-19)
8. Chicago Sky (13-23)
9. Atlanta Dream (12-24)
10. Washington Mystics (12-24)
11. Dallas Wings (9-27)
12. Los Angeles Sparks (7-30)