Another game, another record for Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson.
The WNBA MVP frontrunner, just minutes into the Aces’ 85-72 win over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night, broke the league’s single-season rebounding record. That came just days after Wilson both set the league’s single-season scoring record and became the first player in WNBA history to score more than 1,000 points in a season.
Wilson entered Tuesday’s game at Climate Pledge Arena just two rebounds shy of tying the record for most rebounds in a season, set earlier this season by Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese.
After grabbing two quick rebounds on the defensive end in the opening minutes, Wilson grabbed her third on a missed 3-pointer by Storm guard Skylar Diggins-Smith just after the halfway point to officially break the record.
With this rebound, A’ja Wilson now has the most rebounds in a single season in WNBA history 💪
1. A’ja (447 and more)
2. Angel Reese (446; this season)photo.twitter.com/TJv9bBXBo7— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 18, 2024
Reese had 446 rebounds this year before suffering a season-ending wrist injury. Reese still leads the league with 13.1 rebounds per game despite her injury, which is more than one full board better than Wilson per game. Those two are the only players in the WNBA to average double figures in rebounds per game. Their season averages are the two highest in WNBA history. Former Minnesota Lynx star Sylvia Fowles held the previous record with 404 rebounds during the 2018 campaign.
Wilson is the overwhelming favorite to earn the WNBA MVP award this season, which would be the third of her career. She entered Tuesday’s game averaging a league-high 27 points per game, which is nearly five full points more than anyone else in the league. She is also averaging 12 rebounds and a league-high 2.6 blocks per game. Wilson is also averaging 21 points per game for her entire career, which ties with Cynthia Cooper for the best scoring output in league history.
Wilson finished with 21 points and seven rebounds in Tuesday night’s 13-point win, pushing the Aces to 26-13 on the season. They sit fourth in the WNBA standings, one spot ahead of the Storm and a full game behind the Connecticut Sun. The Aces, who have won eight of their last nine games, close out their season on Thursday against the Dallas Wings.
