Lakers’ LeBron James, WNBA Followers Hype A’ja Wilson for Historic 42-Level Recreation vs. Wings

The Las Vegas Aces got here up brief in Tuesday’s 93-90 loss to the Dallas Wings, however A’ja Wilson did every thing she may.

The 2-time MVP poured in 42 factors to go along with six rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal in a superb particular person efficiency. She was 16-of-22 from the sphere and 10-of-13 from the free-throw line in a exhibiting that was as environment friendly because it was spectacular.

Wilson drew loads of love from social media, a few of which got here from Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, as she joined Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore as the one gamers in WNBA historical past to attain 40 or extra factors three totally different occasions:

Sadly for the Aces, it wasn’t sufficient to earn a victory. Wilson was the one participant on the crew to complete with greater than 17 factors, and Kelsey Plum struggled to fill her typical secondary scoring function with eight factors on 3-of-10 capturing from the sphere.

Wilson’s free throw with 46 seconds remaining put Las Vegas forward 90-89, however Dallas scored the ultimate 4 factors with free throws from Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally. Wilson missed a three-pointer on the buzzer, which might have compelled time beyond regulation if she transformed.

Nonetheless, it was extra of the identical for the dominant large.

She is effectively on her technique to a 3rd MVP and entered play averaging 26.6 factors, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 2.3 assists and a pair of.0 steals whereas capturing 51.2 p.c from the sphere and 37.2 p.c from deep.

Her presence is a significant cause the Aces are back-to-back champions and determine to problem for a 3rd consecutive title as soon as the playoffs begin though they’re fifth within the WNBA standings at 18-12.

If Wilson performs like she did Tuesday, Las Vegas can be a frightening out for any crew no matter its seed.