Posted on: August 23, 2023, 11:46h.
Last updated on: August 23, 2023, 11:46h.
A sports betting writer forecast A’ja Wilson’s incredible performance after she scored a career-high 53 points in the Las Vegas Aces’ recent victory. Wilson’s stellar performance tied the WNBA record for most points in a regular season game, previously set by Liz Cambage.
Cambage, the starting center for the Dallas Wings, had previously set the WNBA single-game scoring record five years ago with 53 points against the New York Liberty on July 17, 2018. Prior to that, Riquna Williams held the record with 51 points for the Tulsa Shock against the San Antonio Stars in 2013.
The Las Vegas Aces drafted Wilson as the #1 pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft from South Carolina. In her rookie year, she won the WNBA Rookie of the Year and has since garnered numerous accolades, including MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Wilson is currently a two-time WNBA MVP and is favored by sports bettors to win her third MVP award since 2020. As the leading scorer for the Aces, she maintains averages of 22.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocked shots per game this season.
Wilson on Fire, 53 Points in 33 Minutes
Wilson’s prowess continued to shine as she scored a career-high 53 points against the Atlanta Dream in just 33 minutes. She impressively contributed seven rebounds and four blocked shots to secure a 112-100 victory for the Aces. Wilson’s performance included shooting 20-for-21 from the free-throw line, setting a personal best, and connecting on 16-for-23 from the floor. Remarkably, she even sank her only 3-point attempt of the game.
“I was just really aggressive today,” said Wilson. “I’m out there having fun. And I get the opportunity to play with some amazing women. I don’t take these moments for granted. It was kind of just in the flow. The biggest thing is just my timing. I see a lot of different defenses every possession.”
Wilson’s teammates also praised her exceptional performance. Teammate Kelsey Plum stated, “We’re watching just a generational talent. What we’re seeing right now is historic, and it’s just beginning. A’ja is one of the greatest players of all time.”
After suffering a six-point loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the Aces quickly rebounded with their road victory against the Dream. The Aces currently hold a 29-4 record and are primed for another postseason run.
Las Vegas Aces Futures
Wilson currently has the best odds at -120 to win the WNBA MVP, with Breanna Stewart closely behind at +105 odds. Stewart, an All-Star forward for the New York Liberty, boasts impressive statistics with an average of 22.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm holds the highest average in the WNBA with 24.1 points per game.
The Aces (29-4) and the Liberty (25-7) have already secured their spots in the postseason, making them the two strongest teams in the league. If the season ended today, the Aces would be the top seed, while the Liberty would secure the second seed. Sports bettors eagerly await their potential matchup in the WNBA Finals.
One uncertainty for the Aces is the status of Candace Parker, who underwent foot surgery in July. Her absence could potentially impact the team’s performance in the playoffs.
Despite the competition, the Aces are favored at -215 odds to successfully defend their title and win back-to-back WNBA championships. The Liberty are also seen as contenders with +200 odds to win their franchise’s first WNBA title. The Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun are considered dark horses with +2500 odds.
The Aces are owned by Mark Davis, who also owns the Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, Davis sold a stake in the Aces to Tom Brady, the famed retired NFL quarterback.
Fun fact: A’ja Wilson’s first name was inspired by the Steely Dan studio album “Aja” released in 1977.