None can deny the veteran center’s dominance on the court. Her career is undoubtedly at its peak with three MVP titles, a 2024 Olympic gold medal, and a sweet playoff win in round 1. Yes, you read it right. A’ja Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to an 83-76 win, kicking the Seattle Storm out of the challenge and advancing to the semifinals. But the triumph wasn’t just limited to advancing.

With 24 illustrious points and 13 rebounds contributed to the team’s total in 37 minutes of gameplay, the 2024 MVP of the year shattered yet another historic record. Her double-double on Tuesday night marked her 13th WNBA playoff game with over 20 points and 10 rebounds. In the process, she surpassed legends Candace Parker and Tamika Catchings, who both had 12 games each.

It sure wouldn’t be a surprise, considering she leads the league in both rebounds and points scored in a single season. With an average of 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds, 20+ points and 10+ rebounds aren’t a big deal for her.

But it’s not just about individual records. It was more about Hammon’s choice of players and strategy to play sound defense. “When we’re fast, active defensively, and just disruptive, we know we can get out to the other end,” she said. Sure enough, she would have loved the fourth quarter when the Aces limited the Storm to a mere two points, both on free throws last game. So the Aces centre wasn’t the only one making history in round 1.

Seattle Storm also set a record

As the Storm missed all of their 10 field goals in the fourth quarter of Game 1, they tied for the fewest points in a quarter of a playoff game. In addition, the Storm committed 13 turnovers. “There’s no way you’re winning the game with a two-point quarter,” expressed a disappointed Seattle forward Nneka Ogwumike.

According to Ogwumike, it’s center Ezi Magbegor whom the team needed the most. The center had missed the last four games since a September 13th win over Dallas, where she got injured. So far, there’s no update on when Magbegor, who averages 11.7 points and 8 rebounds. “She’s a big defensive piece that we miss, and we have to fill those gaps somehow. Playing defense is definitely different without her,” added Ogwumike.

And she’s right. Magbegor’s absence makes it tougher for Seattle to match up with the Aces’ standout Wilson. In tonight’s game, the Storm received just nine points from leading scorer Jewell Loyd, who averages 19.7 points per game. She went 3 of 11 after returning to the lineup, having missed the final three regular-season games due to injury. Now, all these lessons will have to wait until next year, as Seattle stands eliminated, allowing the Aces to advance to the semifinals.