A’ja Wilson has made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to win the MVP award four times. This landmark achievement comes on the heels of an exceptional late-season push that allowed Wilson to surpass fellow finalist Napheesa Collier, making her case undeniable. With this latest accolade, Wilson joins the ranks of WNBA legends, having previously secured MVP honors in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
The MVP Announcement
The official announcement came from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, who surprised Wilson with the news. Overcome with emotion, Wilson was visibly touched, breaking down in tears as she accepted the honor. In a remarkable voting outcome, she garnered 51 out of 72 first-place votes, with Collier finishing second, receiving 18 votes. Alyssa Thomas, of the Phoenix Mercury, also garnered three first-place votes.
Season Overview
A’ja Wilson’s MVP candidacy appeared to gain momentum only during the final month of the regular season. By July, the Las Vegas Aces were struggling, holding a mediocre record of 14-14, particularly after a staggering 111-58 loss to Collier’s Minnesota Lynx on August 2. However, this pivotal defeat ignited a transformation. From that point forward, the Aces went on an impressive 16-0 winning streak, ultimately finishing the season tied with the Atlanta Dream for the second-best record in the league, at 30-14. They entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed behind the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx.
During the season, Wilson showcased her impressive statistics, averaging 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game. She also recorded a career-high shooting percentage of 50.5% from the field and an impressive 42.4% from beyond the arc on 1.5 attempts per game. Wilson’s performance included leading the league in both points and blocks per game, while her 33.4 player efficiency rating (PER) marked the highest in the league.
Collier’s Strong Campaign
Conversely, Napheesa Collier was regarded as a leading candidate for the MVP award before Wilson’s late-season ascent. The Minnesota Lynx, during the first half of the season, maintained a commanding 20-4 record, positioning Collier as a key factor in their success. She finished the regular season averaging 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Collier also improved her three-point shooting, achieving a remarkable 40.3% from beyond the arc while attempting a career-high 3.8 shots per game. Her PER of 30.2 was the best of her career, underscoring her vital role in the Lynx’s performance throughout the season.
However, a late-season ankle sprain sidelined Collier for 11 games, which diminished her presence in the MVP conversation. During her absence, Wilson seized the opportunity to elevate her performance, contributing to her ultimate recognition by voters as the league’s top player.
Conclusion
The MVP award this season served not only as a personal victory for Wilson but also as a reflection of her resilience and capability to lead her team during crunch time. Her journey from a struggling team to a championship contender showcases both her talent and determination.
As the WNBA progresses, A’ja Wilson’s achievement will inspire future generations of players and continue to elevate the profile of women’s basketball. Her ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments, coupled with her impressive performances throughout the season, reaffirm her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Moving forward, it will be intriguing to see how Wilson leverages this accolade and whether she can guide the Las Vegas Aces to a championship, further solidifying her place in WNBA history. Meanwhile, Collier will undoubtedly be a formidable competitor in the seasons to come, challenging Wilson and other stars for MVP honors as the league continues to evolve and grow in stature and popularity. Overall, the WNBA has reached a pivotal moment, showcasing immense talent and competitive spirit fueled by players like Wilson and Collier.
