It had nearly been half a decade since A’ja Wilson missed a game. But the streak ended on September 8th, as the two-time MVP, struggling with an ankle injury, had no choice but to sit out. “There’s never a good time for this. She does get a couple of days to get that ankle right and a little bit of rest,” shared head coach Becky Hammon. And she was right.
At this point in time, “rest” was all Wilson needed to fuel her comeback as evident in the September 11th game against the Indiana Fever. Right before hitting the hardwood, she was just 12 points short of overtaking Jewell Loyd. However, once she entered the court, it took her about 20 minutes to claim the record. “That’s 941 points for A’ja Wilson, a new WNBA regular season single-season record!” wrote Across the Timeline on X.
26.1 seconds left on the clock in the second quarter, Wilson made a 17-foot jumper. It added two points to the team and 12th for her, for the evening, surpassing Loyd’s 939 set in 2023.
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Now, the Aces veteran stands as the new record holder for the single-season scoring record. In fact, she’s the first player to reach such stats in just a 35-game span in the history of the women’s league. What else would you expect from Wilson?
That’s 941 points for A’ja Wilson, a new WNBA regular season single-season record!https://t.co/NRUZnJxIgY
No other player has gotten to 941 over a 35-game span in WNBA regular season history.https://t.co/TTSxSO6w8i
— Across the Timeline (@WBBTimeline) September 11, 2024
But the Aces star sure has some competition this season in Caitlin Clark. The 22-year-old Iowa native is proving to be a force, enough to overpower even the veterans who play alongside her. Whether it’s assists, three-pointers, or overall scoring, the 2024 No. 1 draft pick’s dominance is what truly stands out. This has even caught the attention of the media. However, it seems fans of Wilson are not happy with the media’s attention on Clark.
It’s common practice for broadcasters to mention records players break during a game. That’s something expected of them, even in today’s game when Wilson shattered the record. But surprisingly, nothing of the sort happened.
What’s your perspective on:
A'ja Wilson's stellar performance snubbed by commentators—Is this fair to one of WNBA's brightest stars?
Have an interesting take?
A’ja Wilson fans roar on social media
This agitated viewers and urged them to rally for their favorite player. “Mind you, A’ja Wilson just broke the record for most points in a single season, but the announcers said nothing about it. Oh, yeah, there’s an agenda at play. That’s why I hate watching this Fever team,” penned a user on X.
Mind you, A’ja Wilson just broke the record for most points in a single season, but the announcers said nothing about it. Oh, yeah there’s an agenda at play. That’s why I hate watching this fever team.
— H-D-E-double-I-C (@DraedenLover) September 11, 2024
When A’ja hit the historic jumper for the evening, it did not look like the announcers were aware of the record she had broken. “She’s putting on a clinic in the mid-range,” the announcers could be heard discussing in the instance. That, hence, did not sit right with the spectators. “Massive broadcast L for not even mentioning it,” added another user.
massive broadcast L for not even mentioning it 🙃
— danielle | thank you alex (@sandyeggowfc) September 11, 2024
For those who follow Wilson, the “agenda” to cover only the selling point—Clark—was crystal clear. Well, there’s a reason behind it too. Ever since Clark entered the WNBA, its trajectories have been on an upswing, thanks to the viewership and impressive gameplay Clark brings to the table. Even those who watch her can’t take their eyes off her. But that is not to leave a record unmentioned of another player.
“The TV commentary didn’t mention A’ja Wilson becoming the all-time leader in points scored in a season, but anything #CaitlinClark does, they rush to gush all over it,” wrote a fan.
The TV commentary didn’t mention A’ja Wilson becoming the all-time leader in points scored in a season but anything #CaitlinClark does they rush to gush all over it.
See that’s the bullshit ppl are talking about….
Congrats Queen A’ja. 👑 🏀 #WNBA pic.twitter.com/3uYTQ9uaWp
— GC4* (@GodzChild4eva) September 11, 2024
Wilson has established her dominance in the league from the very beginning of the season. Leading in scoring and blocks, trailing in second for rebounds and steals, 2 40-point performances in 3 games to go with it, and the 2x champion has been a complete package. That demands some recognition and fans rally for it. “A’ja Wilson breaks the WNBA record for points in a season, and the announcers didn’t even acknowledge it,” added another user.
A’ja Wilson breaks the WNBA record for points in a season and the announcers didn’t even acknowledge it 🤪#AllinLV #FeverRising pic.twitter.com/JLuk9t9FUC
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) September 11, 2024
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But seemingly touching on the topic was the Aces’ star’s former coach, Dawn Staley, giving her flowers post-game. “when the love comes from love and loved ones it’s fulfilling enough!” she wrote.
Giving @_ajawilson22 her flowers for breaking the single season scoring record for most points in a @WNBA season…..when the love comes from love and loved ones it’s fulfilling enough!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) September 12, 2024
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Wilson finished the night as the leading scorer once again with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists. 4 more games in the regular season and the few more in the post season, looks like Wilson is on the way to record quite the number. Also possibly another MVP to join Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, for most in the league.
Debate
A'ja Wilson's stellar performance snubbed by commentators—Is this fair to one of WNBA's brightest stars?