On Sunday, A’ja Wilson reminded the WNBA community that she’s still the league’s best player.
Wilson, with 28 points and 17 rebounds, had another dominant performance as the Aces rallied from a first-half, double-digit deficit to beat the Washington Mystics. Teammates Kelsey Plum and Tiffany Hayes added 22 points and 17 points, respectively, to help fuel the Aces’ win.
But it was the A’ja Wilson show.
The Aces stumbled at the start of the season, going 6-6. Fast forward to today and the Aces have won 10 of their last 11 games and are sitting at the top of the Western Conference.
Many would say that the addition of Chelsea Gray is a big reason for the Aces’ hot streak. Since the return of the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP to the lineup after suffering a foot injury in last season’s finals, Las Vegas has gone undefeated, beating nine opponents by double digits over that span.
That’s due in large part to Wilson.
During the game with the Mystics on Sunday, Wilson had her 11th game this season with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, that’s the most in WNBA history. Wilson also recorded at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in three straight games, which is the longest active streak in WNBA history.
But it was her amazing performance in the third quarter, where she scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, that changed the game. Her dominance helped the Aces grab the lead which they never relinquished.
“It’s just a joy, A’ja is the most humble superstar I’ve ever seen,” said Plum “And I just think that she continues to handle everything with grace and let her play do the talk. It’s been amazing to be on a journey with her.”
Washington Mystics head coach Eric Thibault also marveled at Wilson’s performance.
“She made some tough shots, man. I thought [with] the adjustments we made specific for her, we did a pretty good job. We were crowding her hard when she put the ball on the floor, so she just started to make shots with a hand her face. Not a lot you can do when she’s doing that.”
Her teammates, opponents and WNBA fans all recognize what Wilson is doing this season, which is why she is serenaded with chants of “MVP” every game.
A’ja’s 2024 is fueled by the MVP disrespect she received in 2023.
“I don’t think Stewie getting MVP was really the motivation for me. Between her…they all deserved it, so I get it 100%,” she recently said on First Take. “I think the most motivation for me, and everyone probably knows the story, is the fourth-place vote. That was all the motivation I needed.”
A’ja Wilson has been locked in on the MVP this season and has put out the effort to be the runaway leader for the award.
Most importantly, she continues to do what it takes to win games. The Aces are currently on a four-game winning streak and look to continue their streak on Tuesday against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.
But without its star and face of the franchise, the team doesn’t win.
