A’ja Wilson Solidifies GOAT Status With Historic 45-Point Night
A’ja Wilson just did what no other WNBA player has ever done. The 29-year-old Columbia, South Carolina native scored 45 points in a 101-94 win over the Connecticut Sun on the evening […] The post A’ja Wilson Solidifies GOAT Status With Historic 45-Point Night appeared first on Essence.
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A’ja Wilson: She’s Got Game. / (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) 
By Bridgette Bartlett Royall ·Updated May 18, 2026 < /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… A’ja Wilson just did what no other WNBA player has ever done.
The 29-year-old Columbia, South Carolina native scored 45 points in a 101-94 win over the Connecticut Sun on the evening of May 15 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. During the historic game, Wilson made all 13 of her free throw attempts. The spectacular performance marked her fifth career 40-point game, which is the most in WNBA history. The University of South Carolina graduate is also the only player in WNBA history to score 45 or more points on 80% shooting from the field. Sports critics praised the champion for her efficiency during the game: Wilson was nearly unstoppable in the first half as she scored 19 points. She made six of her seven field goal attempts, including all five in the first quarter.
The proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is having an amazing year and we’re only five months in. Earlier this month, the all-star attended her first MET Gala. She stunned in gold Prabal Gurung for her debut at the coveted event. She’s also grazing the cover of the latest issue of Vanity Fair. Sis is also getting her (well-deserved) coins! Just last month she signed a $5 million Supermax deal with the Las Vegas Aces. This is the biggest deal in WNBA history. And then there is her NBA boyfriend Bam Adebayo who plays for the Miami Heat. A’ja Riyadh Wilson is booked, busy and blessed. (Cue up the Love & Basketball, please.) All of this yet Wilson still manages to give back to our youth through important mentoring initiatives like the Disney Dreamers Academy.
It was at the University of South Carolina while playing for the Gamecocks that Wilson formed a legendary bond with her then coach, Dawn Staley. Throughout her college years, the 6’4” center/power forward also set impressive records, including leading the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA National Championship in 2017 and leaving as the program’s most decorated player and all-time leading scorer. Staley and Wilson remain very close and are incredibly supportive of each other’s careers.
Another WNBA game changer (See what we did there?) who is getting major shine at the moment is Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream. Wilson and Reese faced each other in an epic game on May 17 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Wilson helped the Aces take home the win however in an 85-84 game it what was dubbed by some as a Battle of the Bigs. We enjoy watching the interest and excitement continue to grow in women’s basketball and all women’s sports. It is refreshing to witness the WNBA getting the shine it deserves. From stylish tunnel looks to lucrative endorsement deals, these dedicated athletes deserve everything coming their way.
We look forward to seeing A’ja Wilson break even more records this season as we celebrate the history she’s making now.
TOPICS: A’Ja Wilson black women in sports wnbaThe post A’ja Wilson Solidifies GOAT Status With Historic 45-Point Night appeared first on Essence.
