A’ja Wilson Reaches 500 Career Blocks — Becomes Fifth-Fastest in WNBA History
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson cemented another landmark on Wednesday night, swatting away a layup attempt by Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün for her 500th career block—accomplished just over three minutes into the first quarter (SI, ClutchPoints). This achievement places her among the elite—just the 10th player in WNBA history to reach the 500-block mark.
But there’s an even more remarkable detail: Wilson achieved this milestone faster than nearly anyone else. According to league commentary, she is now the fifth-fastest player in WNBA history to hit 500 career blocks (X (formerly Twitter)).
Dominance on the Defensive End
This feat further reinforces Wilson’s reputation as one of the most dominant defenders in the game. Currently, she leads the league in blocks per game, averaging 2.3, and ranks among the top five in both rebounds and steals per game .
A Personal Touch: Milestone Witnessed by Familiar Faces
What made the moment even more memorable was the presence of individuals who played a pivotal role in her career. Valkyries guard Kate Martin, who played alongside Wilson during her rookie season with the Aces, and Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, who coached her in Las Vegas from 2022–24—experiencing two championship runs together—were on the court to witness the milestone live (SI).
Reflecting on that bond, Wilson called Nakase “my dawg” and highlighted how authentic and growth-inducing their player-coach relationship was.
“She kept it real with me, and I kept it real with her,” Wilson said. “That was just a beautiful thing about us and how we continued to grow and flourish, and pick each other’s brains when it came to basketball, but also life.” (SI)
A Legacy of Excellence
Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, A’ja Wilson has consistently amassed accolades on both ends of the floor. A multi-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, she continues to showcase elite-level consistency and impact. Reaching the 500-block mark so quickly is a testament to her longevity and dominance as a defender.
