A’ja Wilson has been on a tear in the 2024 WNBA season, aiming to set new records and lead her team, the Las Vegas Aces, to success. Her performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, as she eyes the greatest scoring season in WNBA history. Here’s a closer look at her remarkable journey and the key factors contributing to her success.
The Stats
- Points Per Game
- Current Average: Wilson is averaging 27.9 points per game, which, if maintained, would surpass Diana Taurasi’s single-season record of 25.3 points per game set in 2006.
- Total Points: She’s on track to break Jewell Loyd’s single-season record of 939 points, aiming to be the first player to score 1,000 points in a season. At her current pace, Wilson would achieve this milestone in just 36 games, despite the WNBA’s expanded 40-game schedule.
- 30-Point Games
- Current Total: Wilson has already recorded four 30-point games this season, second only to Kahleah Copper. The record for most 30-point games in a season is 12, set by Maya Moore in 2014 and Loyd in 2023. Wilson is on pace to match this record.
- Consistent Scoring
- 20-Point Streak: A’ja Wilson has scored at least 20 points in all 13 games this season, setting a new record for consecutive 20-point games. With a relatively easy schedule ahead, she has a strong chance of extending this streak further.
- Efficiency
- Field Goal Percentage: A’ja Wilson shot 52.3% from the field, making her one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in history. Only Lauren Jackson (51.9% in 2007) among the top-10 scoring seasons has shot over 50%.
How She’s Getting It Done
- Elite Around the Basket
- Inside Scoring: Wilson’s size (6-foot-4), athleticism, and skill make her dominant in the paint. She’s shooting 66.7% in the restricted area and 63.2% within five feet, leading the league with 14.8 points in the paint per game.
- Versatility: A significant portion of her field goals come from within five feet, but her ability to get to the rim in various ways makes her tough to defend.
- Mid-Range Maestro
- Improved Mid-Range Game: Wilson has become a reliable mid-range shooter, hitting 45.6% of her shots from that area this season, up from 53.4% last season. Her increased volume of attempts (5.2 per game) and high efficiency place her among the best in recent history, alongside Seimone Augustus and Elena Delle Donne.
- Free Throw Efficiency
- Frequent Trips to the Line: Wilson’s eight free throw attempts per game are a career-high and the fifth-most in league history. She’s on pace to make 272 free throws this season, which would set a new record thanks to her 84.6% free throw percentage, the second-best of her career.
Upcoming Challenges
Wilson’s next test comes against the Connecticut Sun, who have the league’s best defense, allowing just 90.8 points per 100 possessions. This game will be a critical test for Wilson as she aims to continue her historic scoring run against a formidable opponent.
Conclusion
A’ja Wilson’s 2024 season has all the makings of the greatest scoring season in WNBA history. Her ability to score efficiently from various spots on the court, coupled with her dominance in the paint and proficiency at the free-throw line, positions her well to break multiple records. As she faces tough competition and navigates through the season, Wilson’s quest for greatness will be a thrilling storyline to watch.
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