A’ja Wilson Makes History: Four-Time WNBA MVP
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has been awarded the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the fourth time, solidifying her legacy in the history of women’s basketball. This achievement, announced on Sunday, makes her the first player to reach this individual milestone, and furthermore, she achieves it for the second consecutive year. Wilson prevailed in a close competition, surpassing Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. Wilson received 51 first-place votes and accumulated 657 points, while Collier finished second with 18 first-place votes and 534 points. The trophy presentation ceremony for Wilson was a surprise, organized on Friday by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and attended by her partner, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo.This new recognition places Wilson above legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who obtained the MVP three times. Wilson joins Cynthia Cooper as the only players to be unanimous MVP and win the award in consecutive seasons.“It hasn’t been easy for us. We were written off… but we proved our worth every day. This award bears my name, but it belongs to all of us. There is no award without each and every one of you,” declared Wilson, emotional after receiving the award.
A’ja Wilson
Wilson, who was also named MVP in 2020 and 2022, led the WNBA with an average of 23.4 points and 2.3 blocks per game for the Aces, who finished second in the standings. In addition, she contributed 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. She was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the award with Alanna Smith of the Lynx. Collier, for her part, achieved a remarkable regular season with a shooting percentage of 50-40-90, a feat that has only been accomplished twice in WNBA history. Wilson’s performance and the Aces led them to a record-breaking 17-game winning streak, propelling Wilson to the top of the MVP candidates. Wilson and the Aces face the Indiana Fever in the semifinals. Before the game, Wilson stated: “My main goal is exactly what we need to do today, which is to get a win against a very good Indiana Fever team.”“There is no Mount Rushmore. You are the only one. You are Everest,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said of Wilson.
Becky Hammon
