The WNBA is one of the most physical leagues in the league. The number of cuts, bruises, and long-term injuries grows as the season goes on. Players have to be fearless in the paint considering how many bodies can slam an inside player. Many times, referees let them play and ignore various foul-like contacts. This makes for some of the most painful moments. 

In one such instance, A’ja Wilson dealt a Forward so much pain that she had to leave.

A’ja Wilson record-breaking night brings misery to the Mystics

The WNBA’s contact-laden nature took another toll. This time it was the Aces’ scoring machine and last season’s MVP herself who dealt the damage. 

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During a play, the Aces superstar Wilson receives the ball from Chelsea Gray around the free-throw line. Tianna Hawkins picks her up near that area and gets close to the Forward’s body. Trying to deny any space, Hawkins gets her head near Wilson’s face. Then the incredible scorer swings the ball from her left to right to create some space and uses her first step to beat Hawkins off the dribble. 

She does beat her off the dribble and makes a sleek right hand lay-up. However, in the process of swinging the ball, she bangs her head on Hawkins. As Wilson completes the lay-up and comes down the floor, the Mystics Forward is on the floor,trying to combat her pain while trying to realize the impact point of her injury. 

Upon closer look, it is clear the superstar’s head hits the mouth of the Mystics’ 6’3” Forward. This injury busts her lips and leads Tianna Hawkins to the locker room. It also brought concern to the Washington crowd. While head-to-mouth contacts are commonplace, the swinging action by the reigning WNBA champion accompanied by the quick motion of her head leads to a serious injury. 

This is part and parcel of a typical WNBA game where refs often allow such contact. As for the Aces’ phenom, this night was special as she dropped her career-high 40 points.

Wilson’s historic night brings further dampness to Washington

The Forward has been one of the best scorers in the league for years now. This night was a typical display of what she can do. Fighting for positions in both high-post and low-post, she showcased terrific post moves. Her ability to get separation using swinging motions, and switch her pivot alongside a quick first step, make her a nightmare to guard. As she dropped 40, Mystics watched helplessly. 

They would have missed Shakira Austin and Elena Della-Donne who could at least make some of these shots more difficult. This injury to Hawkins only adds to their woes as their Forward rotation gets hit gain. But the Aces are in such a groove that it is difficult for even top defenders to contain them.

This injury incident brings to light the smash-mouth nature of the WNBA hoops. While A’ja’s night is a testament to the top-quality scoring game in the league.

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