A Special Night Under the Lights: A’ja Wilson’s Birthday Celebration
Before the game clock illuminated the Michelob Ultra Arena for the Aces’ Friday night showdown against the Seattle Storm, the atmosphere was already electric, tinged with anticipation and celebration.
Aces point guard Chelsea Gray arrived in style, clutching a bouquet of pink and white balloons, while teammate Jackie Young entertained with boxes of Nothing Bundt Cakes. Adding to the jovial ambiance, the Aces’ mascot, an oversized bunny named “Buckets,” wore a whimsical pink wig. Fans showered the arena with “Happy Birthday” signs, bringing a festive spirit that set the stage for a memorable occasion.
A’ja Wilson Shines on Her 29th Birthday
As the night unfolded, it became clear that the Aces’ star player, A’ja Wilson, was ready to celebrate her 29th birthday in a big way. The crowd witnessed her exceptional performance as she scored 29 points and captured 12 rebounds in a thrilling 90-86 victory. Before the fourth quarter, Wilson had already etched her name in WNBA history, securing the third-most games with at least 20 points, previously held by legends like Breanna Stewart and Cappie Pondexter.
“This feeling is just amazing,” Wilson remarked postgame while expressing gratitude to her friends, family, and fans who surrounded her in celebration. “Some days are hard, but this one is truly special. So, I’m grateful for this one.”
Her teammates joined in the excitement, with Young contributing 26 points, Gray adding 13, and Jewell Loyd chipping in 10 points off the bench.
The Dynamic Duo: Wilson and Smith
Coincidentally, it was also NaLyssa Smith’s 25th birthday, and she shined brightly during the game, recording 10 points and 12 rebounds. Since her trade from Dallas, this marked her third double-double performance, showcasing her growth and adaptability in her new environment.
Smith, who had previously likened Wilson to her personal G.O.A.T., expressed her enthusiasm for sharing the court with the league’s star. During a pre-game shootaround, she brought along a Louis Vuitton gift bag—a heartfelt birthday gift from Wilson, highlighting their burgeoning camaraderie.
The two players often mirrored each other’s skills on the court, especially evident when both scored back-to-back hook shots that helped the Aces take a 31-25 lead. While Wilson displays a more casual rebounding style, Smith approaches it with ferocity, showcasing her commitment to the game.
“I think rebounding can really get you super far. It helps your team in a lot of ways,” Smith shared. Her growth in embracing this role highlights her desire to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
Rising Star: Dominique Malonga
On the other side of the court, Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn made headlines by debuting new guard Brittney Sykes, a strategic addition just before the trade deadline. The Storm, carrying a 2-1 advantage in the regular season matchups against the Aces, were poised and ready, especially with Sykes on the roster.
While Sykes contributed 14 points, it was rookie Dominique Malonga who emerged as the game-changer. The 6-foot-6-inch French player scored a career-high 22 points, leaving her mark on the Aces with her impressive skills and height.
“Super talented and long with a really great touch around the basket,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said of Malonga. “You want to constantly be fighting her for real estate… There’s not a whole lot you can even do to stop her.”
Tension in the Fourth Quarter
Despite holding a commanding 19-point lead at one point, the Aces faced a tense moment in the fourth quarter when the Storm surged on a 17-6 run to close the third period. The momentum continued as Seattle quickly narrowed the gap, outscoring the Aces 7-0 to begin the fourth, leaving the game within a point at 71-70.
However, the Aces rallied back through Young’s well-timed three-pointers and strategic plays alongside Wilson, who remained pivotal during crunch time.
Yet, even in victory, Hammon acknowledged the need for improvement. “The wheels came off, and then somehow they were able to put the wheels somewhat back on,” she noted, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and communication throughout the game.
Throughout the night, the celebration centered around Wilson’s birthday blended seamlessly with a nail-biting contest, making for an unforgettable evening of basketball and camaraderie.