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A'ja Wilson's record-breaking night somehow got even crazier originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A'ja Wilson has made a habit of putting together performances that feel impossible to top. Then she somehow does it again.
The Las Vegas Aces star delivered another historic performance Monday night in a 101-91 victory over the Seattle Storm, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 6,000 career points. Wilson needed just 278 games to reach the milestone, breaking the previous record held by WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, who reached the mark in 291 games.
For most players, that achievement alone would be enough to dominate headlines. For Wilson, it was only part of the story.
Wilson didn't stop after breaking the record
The four-time MVP finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks in one of the most complete performances of her career. She missed a triple-double by just one assist.
In fact, her teammates were so aware of the moment that they were actively trying to get Wilson the ball late in the game to help her reach the milestone. Aces forward NaLyssa Smith later admitted the team was hoping Wilson could grab that final assist.
Even without it, Wilson still accomplished something the league had never seen before. No player in WNBA history had ever produced a stat line of 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in a single game.That's where the night somehow became even crazier.
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Hammon has stopped being surprised
Aces coach Becky Hammon has watched Wilson evolve into one of the most dominant players basketball has ever seen. After another historic night, Hammon admitted the records are starting to blur together.
"It seems like she's breaking a record every day," Hammon said after the game.
The coach pointed to Wilson's offensive development as one of the biggest reasons for her continued dominance. When Hammon arrived in Las Vegas in 2022, Wilson was already an MVP. But the version of Wilson dominating the league today is far more versatile.
She can score with her back to the basket, attack off the dribble, dominate the midrange, stretch defenses from beyond the arc and create opportunities for teammates. Against Seattle, all of those skills were on display.
Wilson shot 10-for-19 from the field, knocked down three 3-pointers and went 11-for-13 from the free-throw line while controlling nearly every aspect of the game.
The scary reality for the rest of the WNBA
What makes Wilson's latest milestone even more impressive is that she's still squarely in her prime. At 29 years old, the South Carolina product continues to expand her game while adding accomplishments that few players in league history can match.
Afterward, Wilson deflected attention away from herself and toward the teammates who helped her reach the milestone.
"I'm able to show up to work every single day with phenomenal women that make me want to do what I want to do," Wilson said. "It's been an incredible journey and ride. Obviously, we're not done and I have a lot more to do."
That's likely the most important takeaway from Monday night. Wilson became the fastest player ever to reach 6,000 points. She nearly recorded a historic triple-double. She posted a stat line the WNBA had never seen before.
And somehow, it still feels like she's only getting started.
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