A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas Wins Third WNBA MVP Award

The announcement came on Sunday, confirming that Las Vegas Aces star, A’ja Wilson, was named the unanimous MVP of the WNBA. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career.

Wilson, a versatile forward, showcased an exceptional performance throughout the season, averaging 26.9 points and 11.8 rebounds. Her stellar play not only earned her accolades but also placed her in an exclusive club as only the second player to win the award unanimously, a feat previously accomplished by Cynthia Cooper during the inaugural 1997 season of the league.

The MVP award was determined by a national media panel, where Wilson received all 67 first-place votes. This victory marks her third time securing the award, having previously won in 2020 and 2022. She joins the ranks of legendary players such as Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who have also reached this impressive milestone in WNBA history.

Following Wilson in the MVP voting was Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who garnered 467 points, while New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart finished third with 295 points. Other notable placements included Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark in fourth with 130 points and Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun rounding out the top five with 83 points.

After finishing third in the MVP voting last year, Wilson mentioned that a fourth-place vote motivated her heading into the offseason. “It propelled me a little bit as I started my offseason workouts, but around February I was over it,” Wilson noted. “I didn’t want to give that person that energy, that’s when I started to lock in.”

Throughout the regular season, Wilson made a remarkable mark in various statistical categories. She achieved a total of 1,021 points and 451 rebounds, leading the league with an impressive 98 blocks. Additionally, Wilson shattered the WNBA single-season record for scoring average, which was previously set by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi in 2006 at 25.3 points per game.

This season, Wilson had standout performances, including a remarkable game where she scored 42 points against the Dallas Wings, closely followed by a 41-point game three days later against the Phoenix Mercury. Consistency was her hallmark, as she scored at least 20 points in 34 out of her 38 games throughout the season.

Her prowess on the boards was equally noteworthy, earning an average of 9.8 defensive rebounds per game, a record-setting single-season average in the league. Wilson’s overall rebound average of 11.87 places her third in league history, trailing only Angel Reese and Sylvia Fowles.

This outstanding season and recognition cements A’ja Wilson’s place among the elite players in WNBA history, making her a pivotal figure in the sport’s ongoing evolution and popularity. Wilson’s dedication and performance provide inspiration for aspiring players and fans alike.