Aces dominate: 12 straight wins with A’ja Wilson stellar (34 points)

Las Vegas Aces Sets Wins Record and Secures Position in the WNBA

The Las Vegas Aces continue their impressive streak in the WNBA season, after defeating the Atlanta Dream with a score of 81-75 on Wednesday. This triumph not only secured their twelfth consecutive victory, tying a franchise record, but also propelled them to second place in the overall standings. A’ja Wilson led the Aces’ attack with an outstanding performance, accumulating 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jackie Young also contributed significantly to the team, achieving her second triple-double of the season with 10 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds. The Aces join a select group of WNBA teams, being the tenth to achieve at least a dozen consecutive victories in a season. This achievement highlights the team’s consistency and dominance on the court. Aces coach Becky Hammon highlighted the team’s evolution. “They are making their presence felt,” Hammon commented, referring to the team’s improvement. Wilson has shown exceptional performance, scoring 11 games with 30 or more points this season, matching his personal best from the previous year, where he was awarded his third MVP award. Wilson set a new WNBA record, with the most games in a season with 30 or more points, maintaining 60% or more field goal shooting efficiency. This was her sixth such game, surpassing Cynthia Cooper, who achieved five in the inaugural WNBA season in 1997.

“I try to make my workouts and practices very similar to the games, so that they are familiar,” Wilson said about her efficiency. “I can figure out how to get to my positions and be productive for my team. That comes from understanding who I am and where I want to go.”

A’ja Wilson

A’ja Wilson during the game against the Dream, where she achieved her eleventh game of the season with 30 points or more, finishing with 34 points. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Wilson had an outstanding performance in Atlanta, making 13 of 21 field goals, including two three-pointers that tied her season high. The player joked after the game: “Don’t call me Curry,” referring to the famous NBA player, Stephen Curry. Her three-pointers were crucial in tilting the game in favor of the Aces. The team managed to hold onto the lead in the final quarter, with Loyd and Chelsea Gray hitting decisive three-pointers in the final minute. The Aces, with a 26-14 season record and an impressive 15-3 since the All-Star break, finished August with a 12-1 record. With four games remaining in the regular season, including three at home, the team prepares for its next challenge against the league leader, Lynx (30-7), in Las Vegas on September 4. “This is our eighth game in 15 days. I was very concerned about our legs going into this game,” Hammon commented, whose team played their last three games away from home. “When you talk about gears and that ability to go up an extra notch, we’ve really been able to do it on the defensive side. And that’s winning us games. Really one of our team quality wins tonight: proof of courage, resilience, toughness.”