A’ja Wilson has etched her name in WNBA history. The Las Vegas Aces star clinched her third MVP award, becoming only the second player ever to win unanimously. This remarkable achievement puts Wilson in an elite category alongside Houston Comets legend Cynthia Cooper-Dyke.
Wilson’s dominant 2024 season left no doubt about her MVP status. She shattered records and set new benchmarks, solidifying her position as the face of the WNBA.
Record-Breaking Performance Seals Wilson’s MVP Status
Wilson’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. She led the league in points, blocks, and rebounds – a feat never before accomplished in a single season. Her scoring prowess reached new heights as she became the first WNBA player to surpass 1,000 points in a season, finishing with an impressive 1,021 total points.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon marveled at Wilson’s consistency. “I don’t want it to ever get lost on how good (A’ja) is,” Hammon said. “She just does it all. She’s in the middle of a run that sometimes I want to shake her and say, ‘Do you know how good you are?'”
Wilson Joins Elite Company with Third MVP Award
This latest accolade puts Wilson in rarified air. She now stands alongside Sheryl Swoopes, Lauren Jackson, and Lisa Leslie as the only three-time MVP winners in WNBA history. Wilson’s trajectory suggests she may not be done collecting hardware.
The versatile forward is also favored to win Defensive Player of the Year. A third DPOY award would tie her with Swoopes, Tamika Catchings, and Sylvia Fowles for the most all-time.
Motivation from Past Voting Fuels Wilson’s Fire
Wilson found motivation in an unexpected place last year. At the Aces’ victory parade, she playfully addressed a lone MVP voter who ranked her fourth. “Whoever you are out there that voted me fourth (for MVP), thank you,” Wilson said. “I wanna say I appreciate you, ’cause that just means that I got a lot more work to do.”
That work ethic clearly paid off. Wilson’s historic 2024 season left no room for doubt about her MVP credentials.
Team-First Mentality Drives Wilson’s Success
Despite her individual brilliance, Wilson remains focused on team success. At a recent team meeting, she dedicated her MVP trophy to her Aces teammates. “I hope you guys know that this trophy is nothing without y’all,” Wilson said. “We’ve been through the ringer – and we gon’ continue to go through the ringer – but one thing y’all don’t ever have to worry about is A’ja going anywhere.”
Wilson’s commitment to Las Vegas is clear. As the Aces enter the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Western Conference, her leadership will be crucial in their championship pursuit.
