There are other female stars that are mentioned before A'ja Wilson, both in the WNBA and at the Paris Olympics, but her historic greatness is unquestioned. Wilson continues to prove that she is a generational talent who consistently exceeds the already lofty expectations set for her, leading Team USA to an 87-74 victory over Belgium on Thursday.

The two-time WNBA champion and MVP recorded 23 points, 13 rebounds and three steals in the Group C matchup, which marks her third-career 20-point double-double at the Olympics. With that feat of dominance, Wilson leaps ahead of legend Lisa Leslie for the “most such games by a U.S. player in Olympic history,” according to USA Basketball Communications.

The face of the Las Vegas Aces is in the midst of an all-time stretch that many believe will culminate with another Gold Medal, MVP crown and a championship three-peat. There is no reason to race ahead, though. It is important to acknowledge and appreciate what she is currently accomplishing.

A'ja Wilson is in rarefied air

United States forward A'Ja Wilson (9) shoots against Belgium power forward Emma Meesseman (11) in the first half in a women’s group stage game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson is making sure to bask in the moment, as she and her teammates extend Team USA's unparalleled supremacy in women's basketball. The super squad has now won 57 straight games and is eyeing Olympics Gold for an eight consecutive time. There is little suspense surrounding the top spot on the podium, but A'ja Wilson is still managing to keep fans invested with her history-making performances.

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Surpassing Lisa Leslie in almost any category warrants special commendation. The WNBA trailblazer and former Los Angeles Sparks center inspired many current players during her 12-year career and helped the league first get its footing. The product has come a long way since Leslie debuted, but she deserves to be remembered for the high bar she set all over the globe.

Wilson is carrying that critically important torch now. By the end of the year, she could match and surpass more of No. 9's milestones. Until then, Team USA presses on in Group play at the Paris Summer Olympics. It battles Germany on Sunday (both 2-0) before advancing to the quarterfinals.