A’ja Wilson scored 45 points in a 101-94 victory over the Connecticut Sun, marking her fifth career 40-point game, the most in WNBA history. She shot 15-for-18 from the field and made all 13 free throw attempts.
Key points
A’ja Wilson scored 45 points in a game
She achieved this in a win against the Connecticut Sun
Wilson has the most career 40-point games in WNBA history
She shot 15-for-18 from the field
Wilson made all 13 of her free throw attempts
Mentioned in this story
Mohegan Sun ArenaUncasville, Connecticut
A’ja WilsonLas Vegas AcesConnecticut Sun
A’ja Wilson makes more history with 45 — because of course she did
A’ja Wilson is only four games into her ninth WNBA season, and she’s already added another historic performance to her lengthy entry in the WNBA’s all-time record book.
The Las Vegas Aces center scored 45 points in a 101-94 win over the young and short-handed Connecticut Sun on Friday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Wilson shot 15-for-18 from the field and made all 13 of her free throw attempts in the victory. The performance marked her fifth career 40-point game, which is the most in WNBA history. She’s also the only player in WNBA history to score 45 or more points on 80% shooting from the field.
Wilson is no stranger to making big memories at Mohegan Sun Arena. The No. 1 pick out South Carolina made her WNBA debut on the Sun’s home court, scoring 14 points along with 10 rebounds in a 101–65 loss to the Connecticut Sun on May 21, 2018. Just three years later, Wilson and the Aces were crowned WNBA champions on that very same court.
This was likely her last game there, as the Sun organization is set to move and rebrand next season in the return of the Houston Comets.
A'ja Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces. She was the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Aces after leading the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to an NCAA championship. See her basketball career from South Carolina to Las Vegas to Team USA.
Q&A
What record did A’ja Wilson set with her 45-point game?
A’ja Wilson set the record for the most career 40-point games in WNBA history with her fifth such performance.
How did A’ja Wilson perform in the game against the Connecticut Sun?
In the game against the Connecticut Sun, A’ja Wilson scored 45 points, shooting 15-for-18 from the field and making all 13 free throws.
What is unique about A’ja Wilson's scoring performance?
A’ja Wilson is the only player in WNBA history to score 45 or more points while shooting 80% or better from the field.
How many games has A’ja Wilson played in her ninth WNBA season?
A’ja Wilson has played four games in her ninth WNBA season.
Related Articles
Sports
Soon-to-become Real Madrid manager wants club legend in his sporting staff – report
Jose Mourinho set to return as Real Madrid manager, seeks club legend for staff.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Cricket·Recap
IPL 2026 | 'The only thing can harm us ... ': Rishabh Pant opens up despite LSG win vs CSK
Despite a win over CSK, Rishabh Pant reflects on LSG's disappointing IPL 2026 season.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Opción de venganza para Galán y Chingotto ante Lebrón y Augsburger
Galán y Chingotto se preparan para un enfrentamiento de venganza contra Lebrón y Augsburger en Buenos Aires.
Marca··1 min read
Soccer·Feature
“I will probably be” – Romeo Lavia makes major admission as he opens up on Chelsea project
Romeo Lavia expresses confidence in Chelsea project ahead of FA Cup final
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
In Senegal’s wrestling arenas, rituals share the spotlight with the fight, in photos
Experience the blend of rituals and wrestling in Senegal's arenas.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Juventus make their move for another beloved Liverpool star
Juventus is making moves for another beloved Liverpool player as summer transfers heat up.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots against Brianna Turner #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks goes up against Brianna Turner #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts to their 65 to 66 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
Teaira McCowan #15 of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs battles for the tip-off with A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
A'ja Wilson #22 and head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks hold the NCAA trophy and celebrates with their team after winning the championship game against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks wipes away her tears as her coach Dawn Staley is interviewed after their win over the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
Jonquel Jones #35 of Team WNBA looks to pass against Aja Wilson #9 of the USA Women's National Team during the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 14, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Team WNBA defeated the USA Women's National Team 93-85.
USA's A'ja Wilson dives for the ball in the women's preliminary round group B basketball match between Nigeria and USA during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on July 27, 2021.
A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States drives to the basket against Team Japan during the first half of the Women's Basketball final game on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on Aug. 8, 2021 in Saitama, Japan.
A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States shoots against Yuki Miyazawa #52 of Team Japan during the first half of the Women's Basketball final game on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan.
Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) shoots the ball against the Connecticut Sun during the second quarter in game one of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) shoots the ball against Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first quarter in game two of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Team Wilson frontcourt Cheyenne Parker (32) and frontcourt Aja Wilson (22) celebrate after scoring against Team Stewart during the second half of the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Portrait of Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson. Wilson is a two-time NBA champion and will be part of the USA National Basketball Team competing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Photographed at the Ace's training complex in Henderson, NV.
Gold medalist A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States poses for a photo during the Women's basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
1 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces. She was the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Aces after leading the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to an NCAA championship. See her basketball career from South Carolina to Las Vegas to Team USA.
1 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion with the Las Vegas Aces. She was the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Aces after leading the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to an NCAA championship. See her basketball career from South Carolina to Las Vegas to Team USA.
2 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots against Brianna Turner #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
3 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks goes up against Brianna Turner #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
4 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts to their 65 to 66 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the NCAA Women's Final Four Semifinal at Amalie Arena on April 5, 2015 in Tampa, Florida.
5 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Teaira McCowan #15 of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs battles for the tip-off with A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
6 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson #22 and head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks hold the NCAA trophy and celebrates with their team after winning the championship game against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
7 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'ja Wilson #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks wipes away her tears as her coach Dawn Staley is interviewed after their win over the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Women's Final Four at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.
8 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Jonquel Jones #35 of Team WNBA looks to pass against Aja Wilson #9 of the USA Women's National Team during the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 14, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Team WNBA defeated the USA Women's National Team 93-85.
9 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
USA's A'ja Wilson dives for the ball in the women's preliminary round group B basketball match between Nigeria and USA during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on July 27, 2021.
10 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States drives to the basket against Team Japan during the first half of the Women's Basketball final game on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on Aug. 8, 2021 in Saitama, Japan.
11 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States shoots against Yuki Miyazawa #52 of Team Japan during the first half of the Women's Basketball final game on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan.
12 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) shoots the ball against the Connecticut Sun during the second quarter in game one of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena.
13 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) shoots the ball against Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first quarter in game two of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena.
14 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Team Wilson frontcourt Cheyenne Parker (32) and frontcourt Aja Wilson (22) celebrate after scoring against Team Stewart during the second half of the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena.
15 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Portrait of Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson. Wilson is a two-time NBA champion and will be part of the USA National Basketball Team competing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Photographed at the Ace's training complex in Henderson, NV.
16 / 16
See A'ja Wilson's victories as a basketball star from college, the WNBA to the Olympics
Gold medalist A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States poses for a photo during the Women's basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on Aug. 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
The sentimental value wasn’t lost on Wilson.
“This building has been special to me for a while,” she said. “Got my first WNBA point in this building, won our first championship in this building. And now we’re leaving here with something, but it's definitely been a lot fun coming here. We make the most out of it, and I think we get closer when we come to Mohegan. ... Gonna miss this place.”
Chennedy Carter added 18 points off the bench for the Aces, who have now won three straight games since their opening-night no-show against the Phoenix Mercury.
Aces point guard Chelsea Gray, who recorded 10 assists and seven rebounds, offered a reminder not to take Wilson for granted.
“You can't get bored watching greatness,” Gray said. “I'm around it all the time, but I'm surprised every day. I never want to get to the spot where I'm comfortable.”
That compliment didn’t come without a little humor, as Gray also marveled at Wilson making all of her free throws.
“This is historic,” Wilson responded.
Aces coach Becky Hammon said in addition to perfection at the free-throw line, Wilson made both of her 3-point attempts.
Wilson, who will fittingly turn 30 this year amid the league’s 30th season, said playing against the Sun made her feel young again.
Second-year guard Hailey Van Lith scored 17 points to lead Connecticut, which trailed 69-56 with just under four minutes to go in the third quarter before Van Lith’s draft classmate Saniya Rivers led a 14-3 run to bring the team within two points of the Aces lead.
That was as close as it got for the Sun, which was without veteran center Brittney Griner for the second consecutive game (left foot injury). Olivia Nelson-Ododa (right ankle injury) was also out.
“Playing against a young team is always exciting to me because it's a good measuring stick on my conditioning,” laughs “Because they’re just running and gunning. But I think they have something brewing here that’s going to be special, once they start really playing as a collective and getting things moving. They have such a young core group that if they stay together for a little while, something really good could happen.”
