Las Vegas Aces beat Connecticut Sun as A’ja Wilson scores 45 points

A’ja Wilson scored 45 points to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a 101-94 victory over the short-handed Connecticut Sun on Friday night.

The dominant forward hit 15 of her 18 field goal attempts and converted all 13 free throws to secure the fifth 40-point game of her career.

That remarkable tally sets a new WNBA record for the most 40-point performances by a single player.

According to ESPN Research, she is also the first player in league history to score 45 or more points while shooting at least 80% from the floor.

Carter continues strong start

Chennedy Carter provided valuable support for the visiting side by adding 18 points.

The returning guard has enjoyed a stellar beginning to the campaign after spending last season playing overseas.

Following an opening-night defeat to Phoenix, the Las Vegas franchise have responded emphatically with three consecutive victories.

Sun rally falls short amid injury crisis

Connecticut trailed 69-56 late in the third quarter before Saniya Rivers ignited a 14-3 run with consecutive three-pointers.

However, the unstoppable Wilson immediately silenced the home crowd with a crucial shot from beyond the arc and a subsequent three-point play.

Those interventions sparked a decisive 16-4 burst spanning the final two quarters to put the game out of reach.

The winless hosts dropped to a 0-4 record for the season while battling a significant injury crisis.

Connecticut were without Brittney Griner for a second successive game due to a left foot injury, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa missed out with an ankle problem.

Hailey Van Lith led the scoring for the struggling home side with 17 points.

There was some positive news for the Sun as Aaliyah Edwards made her season debut, contributing six points after recovering from a thigh injury.