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Aces' A'ja Wilson makes statement and history in win over Fever, Caitlin Clark
A'ja Wilson reminded doubters why she's a two-time MVP, making a statement and history Wednesday in the Las Vegas Aces' 86-75 win over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
Wilson posted a double-double in the victory, recording a game-high 27 points and 12 boards. Meanwhile, the future Hall of Famer etched her name into the WNBA record books, setting the single-season record for points in a season (956 and counting), passing Jewell Loyd (939 points, 2023).
A night to remember for A'ja Wilson
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 12, 2024
Wilson dropped 27 PTS to notch the WNBA single season scoring record for most points, after tonight's game she is now 44 PTS away from being the first player in league history to score 1,000 PTS in a single szn #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/eEt67jqge2
Now, Wilson owns the first and fourth-highest (912 points, 2023) scoring seasons in WNBA history. Furthermore, she's only 44 points from becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career points.
Wednesday's contest was tight for most of the night, giving off a playoff-like vibe. That is until Wilson took over down the stretch, eliminating any hopes that Clark and company had of pulling off an upset.
With 7:19 remaining, a pair of free throws from NaLyssa Smith helped the Fever pull to within six points of the Aces, 72-66. However, Wilson outscored Indiana herself from there, notching 11 of Las Vegas' 14 points the rest of the way.
Conversely, Clark, who has recently gained a push for MVP consideration, struggled a bit in the marquee matchup. The No. 1 pick shot just 27.3 percent from the field (6-of-22) and finished 1-of-10 from three-point range, but still managed to notch 16 points, six assists and three rebounds in the loss.
Kelsey Mitchell picked up the slack, keeping the Fever within arm's reach well into the fourth quarter. The two-time All-Star scored a team-high 24 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc to reach 100 three-pointers for the second consecutive season.
However, it wasn't enough to stop Wilson, who posted at least 27 points and 12 rebounds in a game for the 21st time in her career. That remains the most in WNBA history, six more than any other player, per Stathead.
More must-reads:
- Fever's Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark accomplish WNBA first despite loss to Aces
- Kelsey Mitchell could be the true MVP of the Indiana Fever
- The '250-strikeout MLB seasons' quiz
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Liberty have wise plan for Breanna Stewart's recovery
The New York Liberty will be without star forward Breanna Stewart for the time being. However, head coach Sandy Brondello doesn't seem overly concerned about the timeline for the former UConn Husky. Brondello confirmed on Wednesday that Stewart is suffering from a bone bruise on her right knee. She was injured this past Saturday in the Liberty's 101-99 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Brondello wouldn't put a firm timetable on Stewart's return. With 19 games left in the season, the coach seems more concerned about Stewart's status for the playoffs. "We want to be smart with it," Brondello said on Wednesday before the Liberty played the Minnesota Lynx, according to Michael Voepel of ESPN. "If we can get her back at the end of August, I think that's great. It's big picture ... so when she's ready. But keep it fresh for the playoffs. I know she'll be back before then. How early she gets back before the end of the [regular] season, I don't know." The Liberty are the defending WNBA champions and Stewart is a huge part of what they do. She's averaging 18.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season and had not missed a contest until this past Saturday's. Stewart is a two-time WNBA MVP and has averaged 20.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in nine seasons. She won four national championships at UConn and has won three WNBA titles (two with the Seattle Storm). It's tough to win back-to-back championships even when fully healthy, so the Liberty are smart to allow Stewart to take her time getting back to full strength.
Top Micah Parsons landing spots as Cowboys' contract talks deteriorate
The relationship between superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys doesn't appear to be improving. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported earlier in the week that the two sides were moving backward in their contract negotiations. On Friday, Parsons posted on his social media that he had requested a trade out of Dallas. However, The Athletic's Dianna Russini claimed the Cowboys have "no intention" of trading him. Given this information, let's take a look at three landing spots that make the most sense for Parsons. Denver Broncos The Broncos allowed the third-fewest amount of points in 2024-25 (311 points), per ESPN stats, and already have one of the best defensive units in football. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Jahdae Barron were added to the group this offseason, so why not continue to bolster? Denver owns all of its upcoming draft picks over the next three years, which could be used in a package to acquire Parsons. They are also set to have a ton of cap space available for 2026 and 2027, enabling them to put forth the contract offer that Parsons is seeking. With three more seasons of quarterback Bo Nix on a rookie deal, the Broncos could take advantage and go all in on the superstar pass-rusher, making a potent front seven that much more dangerous. Los Angeles Chargers The team that allowed even fewer points than the Broncos last season? The Chargers (301 points). Head coach Jim Harbaugh immediately righted the ship defensively upon his arrival, but there remain holes to fill. They've shed plenty of money in recent years, which included a former third-overall pick from 2016 in DE Joey Bosa. It's now time to use that cap space to bring in a difference maker on defense. Like Denver, Los Angeles holds all of its own draft picks from 2026 through 2028 and is capable of putting the pieces together to pry Parsons out of Dallas. Not only could the Chargers compensate the 26-year-old, but it's likely he would be fine with calling Los Angeles home. New England Patriots The Patriots currently have the most cap space in the NFL and are in a prime position to strike at any moment. It's been a difficult last few seasons in Foxborough, but the vibe has changed with new head coach Mike Vrabel taking over. The Patriots culture is back, and it's now up to the front office to provide Vrabel with more talent on both sides of the ball. New England is in desperate need of a game-breaking player. Parsons fits the mold perfectly. The Pats had a league-worst 28 sacks last season, per ESPN stats, so the pass rush could use some help. General manager Eliot Wolf is well-equipped with draft capital to feel comfortable making such a move.
Report: Knicks made a signing based on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade belief
The New York Knicks aren't waiting for the offseason drama surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to end before taking care of a key signing for their roster this summer. Per Shams Charania of ESPN, the Knicks signed Mikal Bridges to a four-year deal worth $150M on Thursday. "New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN," Charania posted on X. "The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker." Bridges' extension might not have happened if the Knicks believed they had a serious shot to land an elite player in a trade this summer. Per Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire, the Knicks made their decision to sign Bridges to a new deal after they learned Antetokounmpo plans to stay in Milwaukee. "The New York Knicks got intel that Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks before signing Mikal Bridges to an extension, an NBA source told Hoops Wire on Thursday," Mathur wrote. "...The Knicks would have pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo had the two-time MVP requested a trade from the Bucks. All signs point toward Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee." Due to the player option Bridges has in his new deal, the guard cannot be traded for at least six months. Mathur's report signals the reality that New York wants to land another star to pair with Jalen Brunson. However, the Knicks might not make a big splash until the trade deadline next year. The Knicks need a big man who can score and play defense at a high level in the playoffs, something Karl-Anthony Towns was unable to do in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Robertson, Leafs Set for Unnecessary Arbitration Battle Over $1M
With most NHL arbitration cases settling before reaching a hearing, the standoff between Nicholas Robertson and the Toronto Maple Leafs is out of the norm this summer. The two sides remain apart ahead of their scheduled arbitration hearing Sunday, with the Leafs filing at $1.2 million and Robertson seeking $2.25 million—a significant $1.05 million gap that doesn’t seem sufficient to warrant the drama that could result from a hearing. The midpoint sits at $1.725 million, and based on comparable contracts, that figure may offer a reasonable benchmark for a potential award. Last season, Robertson scored 15 goals in 69 games, ranking seventh on the Leafs, but added just seven assists. Despite seeing more ice time, his overall point pace dropped. Still, his physical game improved, logging a career-high 79 hits. Because Robertson filed, the Leafs get to choose a one- or two-year term if it goes to a ruling. A one-year deal would keep options open, particularly if the team still views him as a trade candidate. The Maple Leafs Shouldn’t Let It Get to a Hearing This is not the same as the situation that unfolded between the Winnipeg Jets and Dylan Samberg. The Jets filed at $2.5M for the player, while he asked for $6 million. Eventually, the settlement came in at three years by $5.8 million. The financial gap in this case hardly seems large enough to justify the risks of arbitration. A ruling slightly above the midpoint—say, in the $1.9 million range—wouldn’t cripple the Leafs’ cap situation but could hurt (or worsen) their relationship with a still-developing 23-year-old. Hearings often involve teams pointing out a player’s flaws to argue against higher pay, something that can damage trust and morale, especially with a young forward trying to carve out a bigger role. A modest compromise now would avoid long-term strain. And, the Leafs should have no issues trading Robertson at anything below $2.25 million in a rising salary cap environment. Keep in mind, it won’t cost the Leafs that much to retain him. Given the stakes, it’s a bit surprising this hasn’t been settled already. Unless there’s a last-minute agreement, this could be one of the rare arbitration cases that actually goes the distance. It’s not clear why the Leafs are letting things get so close with a winger who could be useful, but has already felt disrespected by the organization on more than one occasion.
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