A’ja Wilson Sets New WNBA Single Season Scoring Record
A’ja Wilson breaks WNBA single season scoring record, nears 1,000 points milestone. We discuss it here!
Aja Wilson attends Time100 gala at Jaz at Lincoln Center in New York on April 25, 2024.
Credit: lev radin
By: Joshua Martin
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is strongly solidifying her place as one of the WNBA’s greatest scorers ever. Another legendary milestone was reached on Wednesday (Sep. 11) as she officially broke the league’s single-season scoring record with 956 points, placing her just 44 points shy of an unprecedented 1,000 points in a single season.
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
Wilson’s impressive game was on full display against the Fever, but it was her pull up jumper with 26.4 seconds remaining in the first half that set the new single season high. Following the win, Wilson took to social media to celebrate her achievement.
“God is so good! Top Tier !!”
God is so good! 🤍😩 Top Tier !! 🪜 pic.twitter.com/B9jcQ1p6Me
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) September 12, 2024
The Nike endorser continued her excitement during a post game press interview.
“It feels great because now people will stop talking about it. Felt like it was just like lingering, lingering, lingering, so I’m glad that we got it done. ”
The Olympian and two time league MVP also acknowledged her Aces teammates in helping her achieve the record.
“I don’t want to sound cliché when I say this, I don’t get any of that without every single teammate along the way. My teammates, they’re the heartbeat. They get me going. A’ja Wilson”
The league's expansion of its schedule is part of the reason we have seen several explosive offensive players emerge in recent seasons. When the WNBA was launched in 1997, each team played 28 games. From 2003-19, teams played 34 games and last season each played 40 games. Next year, each will play 44 games.
As the WNBA season winds down, all eyes will be on Wilson as she aims to reach the unprecedented milestone of a 1,000 point season. With the accomplishment, the reigning MVP will become the first player to score 1,000 points in a single season.
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Angel Reese Breaks WNBA Record for Most Rebounds in a Single Season
Angel Reese sets a new WNBA regular-season rebounding record in her rookie year, surpassing legend Sylvia Fowles and solidifying her status as one of the league's brightest stars. We discuss it here!
August 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) walks on the court during the first half at Wintrust Arena.
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
By: Joshua Martin
Over the holiday weekend the “Bayou Barbie” broke the league’s regular-season rebounding record, marking the latest milestone in her impressive rookie season. The record was previously held by WNBA legend Sylvia Fowles with a total of 404. Reese needed six rebounds to surpass Fowles entering Sunday’s (Sept. 1) match up with the Minnesota Lynx. The Chicago Sky forward reeled in 19 boards during the contest, bringing her current regular season total to 418.
The WNBA expanded its regular season to 40 games prior to the 2023 regular season, Reese broke the record in 32 games, two less than Fowles. With eight regular season games remaining, her new benchmark is likely to rise. Officially cementing her place as one of the most spectacular rookies in WNBA history.
“Coming into [the WNBA] I just knew my motor. Offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds is something that I know I can always do. I knew it was going to translate right away.”
Despite some common misconceptions about her game, Reese emphasizes that her accolades stem from hard work and willingness to get physical.
“A lot of people think it’s because I get my own [misses] but statistically, it’s not. People think it’s because I’m the tallest on the court, when I’m not. It’s being able to go down there and bang, doing things that a lot of people don’t want to do. Defense and rebounding wins championships. And I’ve won championships at every level by just doing that. ”
Reese broke the WNBA’s rookie record for rebounding and double-doubles earlier this season. The All-Star forward and the Chicago Sky have eight regular season games remaining and currently have a 11-21 record, placing them eighth overall in the WNBA standings.
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Angel Reese Joins Unrivaled, a Women's 3-On-3 Basketball League
Chicago Sky's Angel Reese joins Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women's basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. We discuss it here!
Angel Reese Signs With Unrivaled Basketball League
Credit: Reebok
By: Joshua Martin
The 22 year old rookie standout of the Chicago Sky has signed on to join Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 winter women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. In an increased effort to provide additional options to professional women’s basketball players who often rely on overseas teams during the off-season, Reese’s signing makes her the 10th WNBA star to sign with the new league.
“For years, women have relied heavily on off-court sponsorships for a majority of their income. With Unrivaled, we’re revolutionizing the game by prioritizing investments in our stars and ensuring their on-court performance is reflected in their pay.”
Unrivaled will feature 6 teams during its inaugural season, with 5 players on each team. Games will have a 1-hour playing time, with 4 quarters of play including a game clock and a shot clock. The league will also host a 1v1 single-elimination tournament to determine the best 1v1 player in the world. The league will also feature historic contracts, offering the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history.
Unrivaled Basketball’s additional player pool includes Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Cooper, Jackie Young, Chelsea Grey, and the two founders. Investors include U.S. soccer stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, NBA legends Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash, LPGA champion Michelle Wie West, former ESPN and Turner presidents John Skipper and David Levy and more.
“This is going to be a league for all players and that’s why the ownership perspective is really, really valuable for us. To do anything, you have to have a few first movers, but I think after that then it’s getting the collective group attached and knowing that they have an equal share and are part of helping this thing grow, and will have voices into how this thing grows as well.”
The season tips off in January 2025 in Miami.
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New Beats Campaign Features Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka as Stars
Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka take center stage in promotional materials for the latest Beats Solo 4 line, drawing inspiration from their individual sports. We discuss it here!
Angel Reese poses at the WNBA draft.
Photo cred: Robyn Mowatt/Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
Beats, a company known for its innovative audio products, has unveiled its latest offering, the Beats Solo Buds wireless headphones and the much-anticipated Beats Solo 4 headphones. Angel Reese and Sha'Carri Richardson are the stars of this campaign.
Beats Solo Buds combine the best features of the Solo line: portability, comfort and superior audio quality, all in the most compact design. The Solo Buds are the perfect on-the-go companion, delivering a remarkable sound and up to 18-hours of battery life. They also feature an easy one-touch pairing with both iOS and Android. The Solo Buds are available in four premium colors, including Arctic Purple and Matte Black, starting in June.
In contrast, Beats Solo 4 elevates your listening experience through enhanced, robust audio, Personalized Spatial Sound featuring dynamic head tracking and UltraPlush Cushions ensuring unmatched confort. The Solo 4 is a headphone that sets a new standard in innovation. It boasts incredibly long battery life up to 50-hours and supports Lossless Audio through USB-C. The Solo 4 comes in Matte Black and Slate Blue and Cloud Pink. It is available on apple.com for $199.99.
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Candace Parker, WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Retires
After a storied basketball journey, Candace Parker announced her retirement through social media on Sunday. We discuss it here!
Candace Parker takes a photo for the Chicago Sky.
Photo cred: Nolis Anderson
By: Joshua Martin
Women’s basketball legend Candace Parker officially hangs up her sneaks after a storied college, pro and olympic career. The 3 time WNBA champion shared the news with her followers, Sunday (April 28th), with a lengthy social media post. The 38 year old expressed her love for the game and the factors that lead to her retirement.
“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time.”
Candace Parker poses for the Chicago Sky.
Photo cred: Nolis Anderson
“My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it. I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love. What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her.”
The two time League MVP also mentioned that a string of foot injuries also contributed to her calling it quits earlier than expected.
“This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing ‘she isn’t the same’ when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.”
The former No. 1 overall player coming out of highschool enrolled at the University of Tennessee under the legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summit. While there Parker won two National Championships simultaneously being recognized as the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player both times. She would later be drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2008 WNBA draft.
In 2016, Parker led the Sparks to an WNBA title and was named the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player. In 2021, Parker signed with her hometown team, the Chicago Sky, and led the franchise to its first championship and the second of her career.
Parker signed with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, winning her third title in the process. An TNT analyst, the newly retired Parker will continue her role with the company.
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Britney Griner Signs 1 Year Deal with Phoenix Mercury
Britney Griner back on the court after signing a one year deal with Phoenix Mercury.
By: Joshua Martin
After a tumultuous stint in a Russian prison that lasted nearly 10 months, the six time WNBA all star has reached a one-year agreement to sign with the team that originally selected the Center first overall back in 2013.
Griner was arrested in February of 2022 after she was accused of bringing vape canisters containing cannabis oil into the country. The canisters were prescribed but were packed inadvertently due to Griner’s haste to board a flight.
After negotiations by the Biden Administration, Griner was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
In a statement following her release, Griner admitted that the experience was tough on her emotionally but the love from her supporters kept her spirits up.
“I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going” - Britney Griner
Griner also stated her intentions on resuming her WNBA career, specifically with the Mercury.
I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon.
Love always,
BG #42
The team officially announced the two time defensive player of the year’s return with a simple caption that read
“There she is 🧡”
Griner, one of the most decorated players in her sport, has terrorized opponents with her gaudy size and presence (she stands 6 foot 9).
The start of the season is a few months away but Britney intends to pick up right where she left off. The Mercury are just excited as fans to see her make her highly anticipated return to the court.
The news you’ve all been waiting for! BG will be back in a Phoenix Mercury jersey this season 💜
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) February 21, 2023
Phoenix tips off their 2023 season on May 19th.
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WNBA Icon Maya Moore Announces Retirement
Four time WNBA champion, Maya Moore, has officially retired from professional basketball after a successful career with the Minnesota Lynx and winning two Olympic gold medals for the United States women's national basketball team. We discuss it here!
Maya Moore
Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
Maya Moore has formally announced to retire from playing basketball. The Minnesota Lynx legend took some time away from the WNBA in 2019 to assist her now-husband Jonathan Irons win his release from jail by getting his 50-year sentence overturned in 2020. After his release, Irons married Moore not too long after and the couple had their first child, Jonathan Jr., in July. The two also have a book coming out this week titled, Love and Justice.
Maya Moore
Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Moore is one of the most decorated athletes to grace the hardwood due to her resume. She went 150-4 in her career at UConn. She was also two time AP Player of the Year and was a vital part the Huskies 90 game winning streak, which was the longest ever before it was broken a few years later. Moore was one of the rare athletes to leave their sport in the prime of their career.
In 2011, the Lynx drafted Maya with the No. 1 pick and she wrapped up her rookie compaign by winning the Rookie of the Year. She then went on to win the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2014. Moore’s career stats are 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals for the Lynx. Next year, since she stopped playing four years ago, Moore will be eligible for the Naismith Hall of Fame which is for basketball legends to be enshrined in history.
Maya Moore
David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Moore announced her choice to retire on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Before Monday, she had been noncommittal about ever playing basketball again.
“Well, I think it’s time to put a close to the pro basketball life. I walked away four seasons ago, but wanted to officially retire. This is such a sweet time for us and our family. The work we’ve done. I want to continue that in our next chapter. Be home for my community and family. ... That’s what I’m moving into. Hanging it up.”
Maya Moore officially announce her retirement from pro basketball on @GMA.
— WNBA Fans Only (@WNBAFansOnly) January 16, 2023
2x NCAA Champ
4x WNBA Champ
6x WNBA All-Star
3x All-Star MVP
2013 Finals MVP
2014 WNBA MVP pic.twitter.com/lH6aHcjAv3
Moore will continue to educate the public on the critical role prosecutors play in the criminal justice system with her social action campaign, Win With Justice.
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That One Time: Lisa Leslie Scored 101 Points in a High School Game
Lisa Leslie once scored 101 points in 16 minutes in a high school game! We discuss the impact of the game and why she fell just short of Cheryl Miller’s 105 point record!
Lisa Leslie at Morningside High School
By: Baigen Seawell
Everyone remembers the 100-point game that the late great Wilt Chamberlain had. To this day, there’s a few people who believe that this may or may not be true, just because stat keeping wasn’t as thorough as they are in the present day.
For the majority of us though, we agree that this happened and it nearly happened again with Kobe’s 81-point game in 2006. It definitely can happen with the nature of basketball ever changing and evolving into a perimeter style game. Within the past 20 years, we’ve seen shots begin to move outwards, and Steph Curry can arguably be the catalyst for this.
Needless to say, we’ve become enamored with how the game has morphed in regards to scoring.
But let’s talk about this stat-line for a second.
31 years ago (Feb 7, 1990), Lisa Leslie scored 101 points in 16 minutes.
101 points.
In 16 minutes.
The Morningside High School center took on South Torrance, where in 16 minutes, she tallied up 101 points. She shot 37 of 56 from the floor and 27 of 35 from the line. South Torrance held on throughout the half, but not for long as Leslie would score 49 points in the first quarter.
Lisa Leslie at Morningside High School
That’s around six points a minute, and I’m doubtful that transition plays were the result of this since South Torrance had every girl on Leslie to prevent her from scoring. This didn’t do much to faze her since she scored another 52 points in the second quarter.
As if the first near 50 points wasn’t enough to call it quits!
What makes this story even more outrageous is the fact that this was not the highest scoring record at that time. That feat actually belonged to Cheryl Miller, who scored 105 points in 1982. Though it seemed as if Leslie was well on her way to break the record, this feat would not become attainable for her. Entering the second half, South Torrance decided to pack it up and leave.
Leslie told the LA Times: “I was kind of heartbroken that I didn’t break the record,” Leslie said. “I asked the (South Torrance) coach before they left the court if they would let me score three more baskets, and then he asked his team, and they said ‘No.’ ”
Gil Ramirez, the South Torrance Coach, faced scrutiny for this gesture, even though their team was quite literally being embarrassed from the first tip. Some called it poor sportsmanship for Leslie’s high school coach to allow this to go on for so long, his response was he would let his players shine at least once a season, especially seniors.
Miller’s rebuttal explained it best though, and maybe it was a bit past its time when she said it:
“I know their (South Torrance) coach will holler about poor sportsmanship, but the game is to score points [...] It is a shame that she did not get a chance to break the record.”
Leslie was unable to break Miller’s record to her dismay. But it wouldn’t stand unbroken for long. 16 years later Epiphanny Prince from Manhattan, NY would envelope that record with 113 points.
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Going Digital: NFL & WNBA Drafts Put Up Record Numbers Virtually
The NFL and WNBA drafts put up record numbers through virtual broadcasts, showing potential in what the WNBA could be if the stage is set for them.
Tyasha Harris Drafted as the 7th Overall Pick to the Dallas Wings | Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images
By: Baigen Seawell
“For the first time in what feels like forever, a real live sporting event.” said ESPN Analyst, Schefter on the 2020 NFL Draft.
What Schefter failed to realize was his own employer broadcasted the first virtual draft on April 17, a week prior. The WNBA delivered their most watched draft in 16 years. The league garnered a viewership of 6.5 million, despite the new format and unsure expectations that would come along with it.
The fly-on-the-wall view into prospects’ homes, coaches and GMs makeshift workspaces, the virtual draft has been an interesting look into the ins and outs of how front offices make things happen despite everything going against them.
The WNBA
The WNBA saw a 237 percent increase in minutes watched from the previous year. Aside from the numbers, the 2020 WNBA Draft Class has some talent that people are eager to see on the court. Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu would be the first pick, taking her talents to the New York Liberty. Ionescu, closed out with over 2,000 career points, and an all-time leader in assists, steals and triple-doubles.
Aside from Ionescu, and the Ducks, the University of South Carolina had back-to-back picks from their SEC Championship team. Mikiah Harrigan and Tyasha Harris take the sixth and seventh picks overall, going to Minnesota and Dallas Respectively.
The League would also take a moment to honorarily draft Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant, and Payton Chester, the three Mamba Academy teammates lost from the 2020 Calabasas Helicopter Crash. Bryant was the daughter of Laker Kobe Bryant, who also lost his life in the crash.
Though the WNBA is considered to gather less attention than the NFL, the success and growth in numbers from the League being put on the main stage is a testament to the longing for the return of sports. At the same time, it shows a potential in what the WNBA could be if the stage was set for them this way more.
The NFL
Six days later, the NFL opened their virtual draft with 15.6 million viewers. This broke the all-time viewership record. To add, the SEC would tally up a record number of 15 players in the first round alone.
The 2020 Draft Class highlights LSU Tiger and Heisman Trophy Winner Joe Burrow coming in as the first pick overall to Cincinnati. Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III would be the first pick to go to the newly relocated Las Vegas Raiders, and twelfth overall. The Packers go with an eye-opening pick, selecting Quarterback Jordan Love to join Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.
The draft has gathered attention from sports fans anxiously waiting on sports to make its reappearance. Being one of the largest sports markets, the league is expected to start in late August. Questions are still up in the air with a few months until the final 53-man roster is finalized.
Where We Stand With Sports
Although we closed out with two sporting events in what seems like forever, we felt a sense of normalcy for a moment. However there isn’t a clear date of when sports like will come back. The WNBA was projected to start May 15, 2020 but with news of a second wave being ‘inevitable’ according to health officials, it is unclear.
To add, the WNBA has been making moves before and after the close of the draft. With player transactions still taking place, the uncertainty for WNBA basketball is apparent for front offices and players alike. But, if given the platform when given the all clear, they may garner the well deserved attention they’ve been battling for.
For the NFL, Goodell has met with political leaders on what may be the best way to keep the season on track while preserving the health of athletes and spectators. The timeline is a bit longer for them, but the uncertainty is still apparent, not wanting to come back too prematurely.
The NFL officially released the 2020 schedule. The WNBA and their male counterpart are still in limbo, with the NBA issuing voluntary practices with the lifting of quarantine practices in some states. Though it seems to be a glimmer of hope, players are reluctant to return, and sports fans are hopeful to see competition return swiftly and safely.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com