Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has joined elite company!
Heading into Wednesday’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson needed just seven to reach 5,000 career points.
That wasn’t all Wilson achieved last night. The former South Carolina Gamecock became the sixth player in WNBA history to record 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 500 assists, 400 blocked shots, and 200 steals. Joining elite company, Wilson is the fastest and youngest to achieve this milestone, passing WNBA greats Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart.
With the Aces starting off on a 19-0 run, Wilson notched her 5,0001 career point against the legendary Tina Charles. Calling for the play at the top of the key, Wilson drove alongside Charles on the left side for a layup. Achieving the milestone at 4:05 into the second quarter, Wilson immediately put her hands up, which drew a loud ovation from the crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Visible in the crowd were several signs pointing out Wilson’s 5,000 points. And although no timeout was called, Wilson received warm gestures from both her teammates and Tina Charles.
“It mean’t a lot to me,” said Wilson on achieving 5,000 career points. “It’s been a special, special season for us. It’s been a lot of ups and downs. When you can hit a milestone like this, in a league like this—I can’t let it go unnoticed. I’m grateful. I’m blessed.
When she hit the 5,000 point mark, Wilson had eight points, three rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals. In the dominant 85-59 blowout victory, Wilson recorded 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and three blocks. Logging 27 minutes, No. 22 shot 8-16 (50 %) from the field, and 6-7 (85.7 %) from the charity stripe. With the victory marks consecutive wins for the Aces.
Where A’ja Wilson Stacks Up Against the All-Time Greats
Wilson, 28, becomes the 28th player in WNBA history to record 5,000 career points and the fastest to achieve the feat. And she did so wearing a new colorway of the Nike A’One, her signature shoe. In fact, Wilson pointed out the excitement of reaching the milestone while wearing her kicks. Wilson’s favorite Disney film and princess, the Princess and the Frog, the “Princess Tiana” A’Ones are inspired by Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana. On the toe of each shoe was featured “5K” for 5,000 career points, along with the date of the milestone, 6-25-25. It’s safe to say Wilson is retiring those specific set of kicks.
“I’m so happy I got to do it in my Princess Tiana, said Wilson. “The Princess and the Frog is my favorite movie, so I had a chance to do it in these shoes. It’s my first time ever writing something on shoes. I’m definitely going to cherish this moment because it’s been a lot of fun. Obviously we have a lot of work to do, so back at it tomorrow.”
Having achieved the feat in just 238 career games, Wilson joins Breanna Stewart, who notched 5,000 career points at 28 years and 321 days old in 242 career games. Former three-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA Champion Lauren Jackson joined the club through 259 career games.
Now in her eighth season, all with the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson joins the greatest of all-time conversation in the midst of her prime. In such a short career span, Wilson has built an exceptional resume. While this particular achievement is a fraction of her illustrious career, she’s on track to become one of the best to ever grace the hardwood. At just 28, Wilson is a two-time WNBA champion, three-time WNBA MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time WNBA All-Star, and five-time All-WNBA selection, just to name a few.
A’ja Wilson’s Achievements are Fueling WNBA GOAT debate
Prior to the matchup, Aces head coach Becky Hammon offered high praise for Wilson. Since 2022, Hammon has been Wilson’s second professional coach in the WNBA and admires No. 22’s achievements — very much as a fan. As a coach, though, Hammon was more focused on Wilson’s execution and the game plan ahead. However, that didn’t stop her from weighing in on premature GOAT conversations.
“To me, she’s already at the top of the conversation,” said Hammon pregame. “She’s done things nobody else has — three MVPs, a unanimous MVP — nobody’s done that. We need to win a few more championships, which she’s very aware of, to really cement it. But when she hangs up her shoes, we’ll be talking about the greatest ever.”
After the game, Hammon recognized Wilson’s latest benchmark and offered insight into what drives her. A champion at every level (high school, college, and the WNBA), Wilson’s focus hasn’t changed. She’s still all about winning.
“Great job. Good job, keep it pushing,” said Hammon postgame. “Believe me, she [Wilson] probably wants to keep it pushing too, we have another game tomorrow. Great milestone for her, obviously, impressive. It’s interesting—she gets all these individual numbers and accolades. I can tell you she would trade them in a second for winning.”
A’ja Wilson seems to have a knack for making history against the Connecticut Sun. First, she and the Aces captured their first WNBA Championship against the Sun in 2022. Now, Wilson secures a another personal record against Connecticut.
Holding a 7-7 record this season, the Aces have started to find their footing after a heavily revamped offseason roster. As the season progress, the Aces are set to play their first back-to-back games of 2025. Although battling concussion concerns early on, Wilson ranks second in the league with 21.2 points per game. On pace for another standout season, No. 22 is putting up 9.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.6 blocks through 11 games.
Tonight, the Aces will once again host an impressive Washington Mystics team at home at 10 p.m. ET.
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