A’ja Wilson was supposed to be questionable. Her wrist injury had kept her out of the previous game, and the Las Vegas Aces weren’t sure if their superstar would even suit up. Then Wilson stepped onto the court at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Saturday night and reminded everyone why she’s the reigning WNBA MVP. What followed was a record-breaking performance that helped the Aces escape with a 104-102 win over the Golden State Valkyries, but more importantly, etched Wilson’s name even deeper into league history.
How Did A’ja Wilson Make WNBA History Against Golden State?
Wilson returned from her wrist injury with a performance that had never been seen before in the WNBA. She posted 34 points, 16 rebounds (including five offensive boards), and two blocks and shot 12-of-16 from the field. That stat line made her the first player in WNBA history to record those numbers while shooting at least 70% from the floor, as per Statmuse.
The performance also marked Wilson’s third 30-point, 10-rebound game of the 2024-25 campaign and her 19th such performance in her career, already the most in league history.
“I gotta credit my medical staff, that squad from top to bottom, they helped me get through this,” Wilson said postgame, acknowledging the swift recovery after she had been listed as questionable leading up to tip-off.
A’JA WILSON TODAY 🔥
• 34 POINTS
• 16 REBOUNDS
• 4 ASSISTS
• 2 BLOCKS
• 12/16 FG
• 33 MINUTES PLAYEDpic.twitter.com/gvZMRjerjf— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) July 12, 2025
Despite injury concerns, including a recent concussion that sidelined her for three straight games, Wilson appears firmly on track for another MVP-caliber season. She currently ranks top-five league-wide in points, rebounds, and blocks per game and continues to anchor the Aces on both ends of the court.
What Made Golden State’s Performance Historic Despite the Loss?
Wilson’s heroics were nearly undone by a gritty Valkyries squad that had a historic night of their own. Golden State eclipsed 100 points for the first time in franchise history and pushed the two-time WNBA champions to the wire. The Valkyries had five players score in double figures and mounted a wild late-game rally led by veteran guard Tiffany Hayes.
Hayes led a 9-0 Valkyries run with back-to-back 3-pointers in response to Wilson’s scoring storm in the first quarter. Later in the game, with just 7.1 seconds remaining and trailing by five, Hayes hit a stunning off-balance, one-legged 26-foot 3-pointer that silenced the Vegas crowd and cut the Aces’ lead to two.
THIS SHOT IS INSANE 🤯 https://t.co/2yj6zvG4l5 pic.twitter.com/eVmlHXic9b
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 12, 2025
However, Wilson’s presence proved decisive. Her ability to control the paint, stretch the floor, and step up in clutch moments reminded everyone why she remains the heartbeat of Las Vegas. The Valkyries ultimately fell 104-102, but proved they belong in tightly contested matchups, especially with their emerging offensive firepower.
