A’ja Wilson Shines with 32 Points as Chelsea Gray Matches WNBA Record in Aces' Victory Over Fire

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A’ja Wilson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 32 points for the second consecutive game, while Chelsea Gray contributed 29 points and equaled a WNBA record with nine 3-pointers, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 105-89 win against the Portland Fire on Thursday night. This victory marks the Aces' fifth straight win.

Gray reached the milestone of nine 3-pointers with just 2:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, extending Las Vegas' lead to 101-86. She finished the game shooting 9 of 13 from beyond the arc, whereas the Fire managed only 8 of 26 as a team. Wilson, who had previously scored 34 points in a 101-91 win against Seattle on Monday, shot 10 of 20 from the floor and made 11 of 13 free throws. With this performance, she moved up to 16th place on the WNBA's all-time scoring list and 14th for rebounds.

Jackie Young also made significant contributions with 18 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, while NaLyssa Smith added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Aces (9-3). For the Fire (6-8), Carla Leite was the top scorer with 18 points, followed closely by Megan Gustafson with 17. Sarah Ashlee Barker chipped in 14 points, and Bridget Carleton contributed 13.

The Aces established a solid foundation for their victory in the first half, leading 56-50 as Wilson, Gray, Smith, and Young all scored in double digits. Las Vegas shot 53% from the field and excelled at the free-throw line, converting 14 of 16 attempts. Gray's six 3-pointers in the first half accounted for 18 of her points.

Wilson took charge early in the second half, scoring 14 of the Aces' first 16 points, which helped them to a 72-60 advantage with 4:48 left in the third quarter. The Aces maintained their lead at 85-74 as the fourth quarter began with a 7-2 run.

Next up for the Aces is a home game against Minnesota on Saturday, while the Fire will host Dallas the same day.