LAS VEGAS — A’ja Wilson has secured her place in WNBA history, becoming just the second player ever to earn a unanimous MVP award. On Sunday, she collected all 67 first-place votes, securing a total of 670 points from a media panel. This remarkable achievement places her alongside Houston’s Cynthia Cooper, who was the only other player to achieve this feat in the league’s inaugural season in 1997.
In a season marked by fierce competition, Wilson left her rivals in the dust. Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier trailed in the MVP voting with 467 points, while Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty garnered 295 points, landing her in third. The dominance Wilson displayed this season was not merely statistical; it was a testament to her relentless drive and commitment to excellence.
A Season for the Ages
After finishing third in last year’s MVP race—a tight contest that saw Stewart take home the award—Wilson entered the 2024 season with a fiery determination. Her response? An electrifying campaign that culminated in an astonishing 1,021 points, making her the first WNBA player to surpass the 1,000-point mark in a season. In addition to her scoring prowess, she set a new league record with 451 rebounds, reinforcing her status as one of the most dominant forces in the game.
Wilson’s season statistics speak volumes. She led the WNBA in several key categories: scoring (26.9 points per game), blocks (2.6), player efficiency rating (34.9), and win shares (10.9). Her scoring average is not just impressive; it’s the highest in WNBA history, surpassing the legendary Diana Taurasi’s 25.3 points per game from 2006. With averages of 11.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and career-high performances across the board, Wilson has established herself as a multi-faceted superstar.
Leadership Beyond the Court
Beyond the stats, Wilson embodies the essence of leadership. Aces coach Becky Hammon encapsulated her impact perfectly, stating, “A’ja is a great example of making everybody great around her.” This philosophy not only elevates her teammates but also fosters a winning culture within the organization.
Wilson’s ability to perform under pressure is also noteworthy. She recorded two games with over 40 points and nine additional games with 30 or more, scoring at least 20 points in an astounding 89.5% of her appearances this season—a new WNBA record. Her performances have been crucial in leading the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, as well as earning her title as WNBA Finals MVP last season.
Looking Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond
As the Aces gear up for the playoffs as the No. 4 seed, they face a challenging matchup against the No. 5 Seattle Storm. Game 1 of their best-of-three series is set for Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. With Wilson’s consistent and dominant play, the Aces are once again positioned to make a deep postseason run.
At just 28 years old, and having recently earned her second Olympic gold medal, A’ja Wilson’s journey is far from over. As she continues to shatter records and redefine excellence in the WNBA, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how her legacy unfolds in the seasons to come.
In the world of women’s basketball, A’ja Wilson stands out not only as a player but as an inspirational figure—a testament to talent, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.