A’ja Wilson Sets New WNBA Single-Season Rebound Record, Surpassing Angel Reese

On September 18, Angel Reese’s record for the most rebounds in a single WNBA season was eclipsed by A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who achieved this milestone in a game against the Seattle Storm. Wilson’s accomplishment came just under three weeks after Reese set the record.

In a solid performance, Wilson collected seven rebounds during the Aces’ 85-72 victory over the Storm, bringing her total to 451 rebounds for the season, surpassing Reese’s previous mark of 444.

Reflecting on her achievement, Wilson remarked, “It’s a blessing. This league is tough, so if my name can be in the record books in some sort of way, it’s a blessing.”

In addition to her rebounding feat, Wilson also scored 21 points, hitting 9 of her 18 shots. She contributed two assists and a steal during the match. The two-time WNBA MVP currently leads the league with a career-high average of 26.9 points per game and ranks second only to Reese in rebounds per game, averaging 11.9.

Unfortunately for Reese, she is sidelined due to a season-ending wrist fracture suffered earlier this month on September 6. During her rookie season, she averaged 13.6 points per game.

The Aces demonstrated their offensive prowess in the game, outshooting the Storm 53.3% to 47.6%. They were also effective from beyond the arc, converting 45% of their three-point attempts while limiting the Storm to just 22.2%. Their lead swelled to as much as 18 points, marking their fourth consecutive victory.

Wilson made her record-breaking rebound just over five minutes into the game, grabbing a board off a missed three-pointer from Storm guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. By the end of the first quarter, Wilson had already accumulated 10 points and three rebounds.

The Aces’ Kelsey Plum also had an impressive outing, scoring 21 points and snagging seven rebounds, including five three-pointers. Additionally, Jackie Young added to the offensive effort with 16 points, scoring 10 of those in the first half.

For the Storm, forward Nneka Ogwumike was the standout player, finishing with 19 points in the match. Despite the loss, the Storm are still in contention for the playoffs.

Currently, the Aces hold the fourth spot in the WNBA standings with a record of 26-13, while the Storm sit in fifth place at 25-15. With only one day left in the regular season, the stakes are high as teams prepare for the postseason.

In their season finale, Wilson and the Aces will take on the Dallas Wings, who are struggling at 9-30. This game is scheduled for 10 p.m. EDT on Thursday in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the Storm will face the seventh-seeded Phoenix Mercury at the same time in Phoenix.