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A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart: The WNBA’s Two Queens Who Keep Rewriting History
The 2026 WNBA season isn’t even three weeks old, and already history is being rewritten. Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart have once again positioned themselves as the league’s two most dominant forces, each delivering performances that not only secure team victories but also etch their names deeper into the sport’s record books.
Wilson’s Fifth 40-Point Game: A New WNBA Standard
In a game that will be studied for years, Wilson became just the third player in WNBA history to record five career 40-point performances, surpassing both Stewart and Diana Taurasi. The Las Vegas Aces’ 106-98 victory over the Phoenix Sun on May 16 was more than just a win—it was a statement.
Wilson’s 34 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in that contest were complemented by her fifth 40-point game in a career that continues to redefine what’s possible for a center in the modern WNBA. The milestone came against a Sun team that had been one of the league’s most formidable defensive units entering the season.
Key Statistic: Wilson now holds the record for most 40-point games in WNBA history (5), moving ahead of both Stewart (4) and Taurasi (4). Her career scoring average of 24.1 points per game remains unmatched among active players.
Why This Matters
Wilson’s achievement isn’t just about individual accolades—it’s about redefining the position of center in the WNBA. Traditionally seen as defensive anchors, modern centers like Wilson are now expected to be primary offensive threats capable of carrying entire games. Her ability to score at an elite level while maintaining her defensive prowess (she leads the league in blocks this season) makes her arguably the most complete player in basketball.
The record also underscores the Aces’ depth. With Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum providing secondary scoring, Las Vegas has become the most feared offensive team in the league. Their 106-point outing against Phoenix was the highest single-game total in franchise history.
Stewart’s Quiet Dominance: The Architect Behind New York’s Resurgence
While Wilson was making headlines with her record-breaking night, Stewart was quietly orchestrating the New York Liberty’s resurgence. The two-time MVP hasn’t yet matched Wilson’s individual feats this season, but her impact on the court and in the locker room is equally transformative.
Stewart’s 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in New York’s May 15 victory over the Connecticut Sun (101-92) were unremarkable by her standards—but the context matters. The Liberty, once a perennial playoff underdog, now find themselves in a tight race for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, thanks in large part to Stewart’s leadership.
Key Context: Stewart’s career averages (21.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 5.6 APG) remain among the highest for forwards in WNBA history. Her ability to elevate her teammates—particularly rookie Sabrina Ionescu, who is averaging 24.3 points since Stewart’s arrival—has been the difference-maker for New York.
The Head-to-Head Battle That Defines the Season
The May 17 matchup between Las Vegas and Golden State (won by the Aces 98-89) wasn’t just another game—it was the latest chapter in the most compelling individual rivalry in modern WNBA history. Wilson and Stewart, who have faced each other 12 times in their careers, have combined for:
- Average of 45.2 points per game
- 12 combined 30-point games
- 8 games where one or both scored 30+ points
This season’s matchups have been particularly intense. In their first three meetings, the combined scoring has averaged 52.3 points per game—higher than any other player duo in the league. The Aces lead the series 2-1 so far in 2026, but the Liberty remain dangerous with Stewart’s ability to create mismatches at will.
How Their Rivalry Is Reshaping the WNBA
The dominance of Wilson and Stewart isn’t just good for their respective teams—it’s revitalizing the entire league. Their on-court battles have:
- Increased viewership: The Las Vegas-New York matchups have drawn the highest TV ratings of the young season, with the May 17 game attracting 1.2 million viewers on ESPN, up 38% from the same date last year.
- Elevated the center position: Wilson’s performances have forced other teams to rethink how they defend the paint, with more clubs now employing “centerless” defenses to slow her down.
- Accelerated rookie development: Players like Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Paxton Whitley (Chicago Sky) have cited Wilson and Stewart as inspirations for their own scoring approaches.
- Boosted merchandise sales: The WNBA reported a 45% increase in jersey sales for both players in April, with Wilson’s becoming the league’s best-selling women’s jersey for the second consecutive month.
League Perspective: “A’ja and Breanna represent what the WNBA is striving to be—a league where individual excellence drives team success and captivates fans worldwide,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a recent interview. “Their rivalry is exactly the kind of competition that makes our sport special.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Finals
With both players already cementing their legacies, the question now becomes: How far can they take their teams this season?
