Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA History Against New York Liberty

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated May 17, 2025 4:21 PM ET

The 2025 WNBA season tipped off with a marquee matchup between the defending champion New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center on Saturday.

The Liberty celebrated their 2024 title with a ring and banner ceremony before facing the Aces, who were looking to rebound after a disappointing playoff exit last season.

In the midst of the season opener, Aces forward A'ja Wilson reached a significant career milestone by recording her 100th career double-double, becoming just the sixth player in WNBA history to achieve this feat.

Even though the Aces lost 78-92 in their season opener, Wilson led all scorers with 31 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block on 11-of-22 shooting.

' ✨

Congrats, @_ajawilson22 on becoming the 6th player in @WNBA history with 100 career double-doubles! pic.twitter.com/qory4Mc1RQ
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 17, 2025

Since being drafted first overall in 2018 by the Aces, Wilson has only continued to solidify her legacy as one of the league's all-time greats.

She has won three WNBA MVP awards (2020, 2022, 2024), two WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (2022, 2023), and was named the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP.

Wilson is a six-time WNBA All-Star, and in 2024, she set the single-season scoring record.

The Aces finished the 2024 regular season with a 27-13 record, securing the second seed in the playoffs.

After defeating the Seattle Storm in the first round, the Aces were eliminated in the semifinals by the Liberty, losing the series 3-1.

Despite the early playoff exit, Wilson had an outstanding individual season, averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.8 steals across 38 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: