Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson was the unanimous choice as the WNBA MVP, the league announced Sunday.
The Aces’ versatile forward averaged 26.9 points and 11.8 rebounds this season. She’s only the second player to win the award unanimously, joining Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets, who did it in the league’s inaugural 1997 season.
Wilson received all 67 first-place votes from a national media panel, making her a three-time award winner (2020 and 2022.) She’s the fourth player in WNBA history to reach that milestone, joining Sherly Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (467 points) finished in second place, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (295 points), Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (130 points) and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (83 points) in fifth.
Wilson finished third in the MVP voting last year, receiving one fourth-place vote that she said fueled her after the Aces won their second straight WNBA title.
“It propelled me a little bit as I started my offseason workouts, but around February I was over it,” she said. “I didn’t want to give that person that energy, that’s when I started to lock in.”
Wilson finished the regular season with 1,021 points, 451 rebounds and led the league with 98 blocks. The 6-foot-4 Wilson broke the WNBA single-season record for scoring average, which had been set by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi in 2006 (25.3 ppg).
She had a season high 42 points against Dallas and a few days later dropped 41 against Phoenix. In all, she scored at least 20 points in 34 of her 38 games. She was relentless with rebounds, grabbing 9.8 defensive a game, the highest single-season average in league history.
Wilson’s 11.87 rebound average is third-best in league history, trailing Angel Reese and Sylvia Fowles.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
A’ja Wilson, the star forward for the Las Vegas Aces, has made history by winning her third WNBA MVP award unanimously. This incredible achievement solidifies Wilson’s status as one of the best players in the league and cements her legacy as a dominant force on the court.
Wilson, who was drafted first overall by the Aces in 2018, has quickly established herself as a standout player in the WNBA. Known for her scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive skills, Wilson has been a key player for the Aces since her rookie season. In just four years in the league, she has already earned three MVP awards, an impressive feat that few players have accomplished.
Wilson’s dominance on the court is evident in her statistics. This season, she averaged 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, leading the Aces to a second-place finish in the standings. Her impact on the team is undeniable, as she consistently puts up big numbers and leads by example both on and off the court.
In addition to her individual success, Wilson has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. She has used her platform to speak out against racial injustice and police brutality, and has been actively involved in community outreach programs. Wilson’s commitment to making a difference both on and off the court has earned her respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
With her third MVP award, Wilson joins an elite group of players who have achieved this milestone. She is only the third player in WNBA history to win the award unanimously, joining legends like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes. Wilson’s remarkable talent and dedication to the game have set her apart as one of the all-time greats in women’s basketball.
As she continues to make her mark on the WNBA, A’ja Wilson’s legacy will only continue to grow. Her passion for the game, leadership on and off the court, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a role model for aspiring young athletes everywhere. Congratulations to A’ja Wilson on her historic achievement as a three-time WNBA MVP winner.
