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The 2024 WNBA season kicked off Tuesday with thrilling performances and historic milestones, setting the tone for an exciting year. Among the standout moments were A'ja Wilson's dominant display for the Las Vegas Aces, Connecticut Sun DeWanna Bonner climbing to fifth on the WNBA all-time scoring list, Jonquel Jones' impressive game for the New York Liberty and the Sun’s Alyssa Thomas securing yet another triple-double. Here’s a closer look at the best performances from opening night.
A'ja Wilson’s monster game
A'ja Wilson's performance for the Las Vegas Aces on opening showed exactly why she was named the WNBA Finals MVP in 2023. She led her team to an 89-80 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 30 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and adding five assists. Wilson’s dominance was evident from the start, scoring 17 of her points in the first quarter alone, more than the entire Mercury team in that period.
Despite the pregame festivities, which included a banner ceremony and ring presentation, Wilson remained laser-focused. She acknowledged the challenges posed by both the excitement of the night and Mercury, who managed to cut the Aces' lead to just three points late in the game.
“I think we lost sight of who we are,” Wilson said, per Callie Lawson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal “I feel like we were all trying to put that Superman cape on and wanting to provide for our team and be productive.”
Despite the Aces widening their lead to 83-71 in the fourth quarter, the Mercury went on a nine-point run to bring the score within three points with 1:17 left. Center Kiah Stokes and Jackie Young were responsible for sealing the game after being fouled, and they flawlessly made their free throws in the final minute.
Wilson's efficiency was evident, shooting 10-of-22 from the field and hitting 10-of-11 free throws, emphasizing her ability to deliver under pressure. Her early-season form suggests she is determined to defend her MVP title and lead the Aces to another championship.
DeWanna Bonner’s historic milestone
DeWanna Bonner made headlines by becoming the fifth all-time leading scorer in WNBA history during the Connecticut Sun's 92-71 victory over the Indiana Fever. Bonner surpassed Candice Dupree's 6,895 career points, now trailing only Tina Charles, Tamika Catchings, Tina Thompson and Diana Taurasi on the all-time list.
Bonner’s milestone was achieved in the third quarter, and she finished the game with 20 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal, via Rob Gullo of The Bristol Press. Bonner’s performance was instrumental in ensuring the Sun's victory over the Fever, highlighting her continued importance to the team even in her 15th season.
Bonner’s 2023 season was impressive – she averaged 17.4 points per game and was named an All-Star. Her role in the Sun's balanced attack against the Fever Tuesday was evident as she, along with Alyssa Thomas, DiJonai Carrington, Tyasha Harris and Rachel Banham, combined for 75 of the team’s 92 points.
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Jonquel Jones’ dominant display
Jonquel Jones began her season with the New York Liberty with an impressive showing, scoring 25 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a 85-80 win over the Washington Mystics. Jones, who struggled with fitness and adjusting to a new team last season, appeared to be back to her best.
Her aggression and efficiency were evident, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and four-of-right from three-point range, via Jack Maloney of CBS Sports. Her performance was clutch in the Liberty’s fourth-quarter comeback. Jones hit 58.8% of her shots from the field and went a perfect three-for-three from the free-throw line.
Alyssa Thomas’ 12th triple-double
Alyssa Thomas continued to prove why she is one of the most versatile players in the WNBA, securing a triple-double with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in the Sun's victory over the Fever. This marked Thomas’ 12th career triple-double, extending her record for the most in WNBA history. It was also the second time in league history that a player notched a triple-double in a season opener.
Thomas' all-around game was on full display, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Her ability to facilitate, rebound and score will make her an indispensable player for the Sun this sun. Her efficiency was impressive, shooting 50% from the field and contributing on the defensive end with three steals.
Thomas' dominance on the court was also crucial in containing Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who struggled with turnovers and adjusting to the physicality of the WNBA.
Opening night of the 2024 WNBA season was filled with impressive games that highlight a league brimming with talent. A’ja Wilson's dominant game, DeWanna Bonner's historic milestone, Jonquel Jones' impressive display and Alyssa Thomas' continued excellence were standout moments that set the stage for an exciting season. Fans can look forward to more thrilling games and historic achievements as the season progresses.
