(Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
The Las Vegas Aces, spearheaded by A’ja Wilson’s dominance, look to keep things rolling Friday when they travel to Atlanta to take on the Dream.
The Aces (4-1) have won two in a row and four of five to begin the season, much due to Wilson’s record-breaking start. Coming off consecutive league championships and last year’s Finals MVP performance, Wilson can now claim a new accolade.
While averaging 26.2 points and 13.2 rebounds, Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in five consecutive games.
Solidifying the record in Wednesday’s 80-66 win over the Minnesota Lynx, Wilson went for 29 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.
“I said this last year, if I play (A’ja) in the fourth quarters, she’s going to be averaging 28 and 12,” Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon said. “Her game continues to grow and blossom. She’s also getting really comfortable handling the ball, putting it on the floor, becoming more of a playmaker and a decision maker for us.”
Alongside Wilson, Jackie Young is averaging a career-best 21.8 points and 8.2 assists per game, while Kelsey Plum adds 18.6 points and 5.6 assists.
For Atlanta (3-2), Friday will be about adding consistency to an early season that’s seen the Dream alternate wins and losses.
On Wednesday, Atlanta topped the Washington Mystics 73-67, thanks to Allisha Gray’s 19 points and Tina Charles’ 17-point, 15-rebound double-double.
“Happy with our win,” Dream coach Tanisha Wright said. “Any win in this league is going to be hard to come by. … Sometimes you have to do whatever needs to be done to win the game.
“It wasn’t the prettiest, but whether it was rebounding or knocking down free throws, I thought we did a really good job of doing what it took to win.”
Rhyne Howard’s 19 points per game lead the team, followed by Gray’s 16.2.
-Field Level Media
