A’ja Wilson Makes History: Four-Time WNBA MVP
A’ja Wilson, star of the Las Vegas Aces, has been awarded the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the fourth time, solidifying her place in women’s basketball history. The announcement, made on Sunday, marks an unprecedented milestone in the league. Wilson, who had already been recognized as MVP on two consecutive occasions, surpassed Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx in the voting, in a contest that was anticipated to be close. The Aces player obtained 51 first-place votes and accumulated 657 points, leaving behind Collier, who received 18 first-place votes and totaled 534 points. Also standing out on the finalists list were Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), and Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever). The award presentation to Wilson was a surprise organized by the league, with the presence of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat player and Wilson’s boyfriend.With this recognition, Wilson surpasses legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who have been three-time MVPs. Furthermore, she joins Cynthia Cooper as the only players to be unanimous MVPs in WNBA history. Aces coach Becky Hammon highlighted Wilson’s uniqueness: “There is no Mount Rushmore. You are the only one. You are Everest.” Wilson, who was also MVP in 2020 and 2022, led the WNBA with an average of 23.4 points and 2.3 blocks per game, in addition to contributing 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. She was also recognized as Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Collier, for her part, became the second player in WNBA history to achieve a 50-40-90 shooting percentage in a regular season, demonstrating her exceptional skill. However, an ankle injury sidelined her for three weeks. Fueled by Wilson’s performance, the Aces achieved a record winning streak and secured second place in the standings. Wilson has expressed his satisfaction with the evolution of his game and his ability to read opposing defenses. The Aces face the Indiana Fever in the semifinals, starting on Sunday. In the first game, the Aces fell with a score of 89-73. Wilson, before the match, commented: “My main goal is to achieve a victory against a very good team from the Indiana Fever”.“It hasn’t been easy for us. They discarded us. They gave us up for lost, but we showed up every day… This bears my name, but it’s thanks to all of you. There is no award without each one of you,” Wilson declared to her teammates after receiving the award.
A’ja Wilson
