After a rough patch, back-to-back WNBA champs the Las Vegas Aces are back to winning ways. While fans were impressed by their clinical exhibition vs the Seattle Storm, the home dominance against the Eastern Conference table-toppers Connecticut completely enchanted them. And who do they consider the catalyst behind this revival? None other than the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.
A fifth home win in front of 10,385 people at the Michelob ULTRA Arena for Becky Hammon’s crew. A sheer display of excellence on the hardwood resulted in an 85-74 result in favor of the hosts. Like most of the time, the driving force behind this was the team’s top performer A’ja Wilson. She capped off her night by securing another double-double which comprised 26 points, and 16 rebounds to go with 1 assist and 2 steals. In addition to this, she was 9 of 17 while shooting from the field and perfectly landed all her 8 free throws.
Evidently, this is the fourth occasion this year that Wilson has gone past 25-plus points and 15-plus rebounds. Consequently, she is now just one more such performance away from equalling Tina Charles’ WNBA tally of 5. This happens to be the current record set in the 2021 season. Moreover, this is the 19th game on the trot where Wilson has ended up scoring 20-plus points on a regular-season night.
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Following this, ecstatic fans only have immense appreciation towards the dynamic power forward.
A’ja Wilson hailed by the Las Vegas supporters
The Aces’ No.22 currently occupies the top spot among all players in terms of individual statistics. Before entering the contest, she was carrying a healthy average of 27.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest and was 52.3% efficient in her field goals. Taking that into consideration, Emmy-nominated Sportscaster Chris Williamson stated that she is the best in the business. Seemingly, he posted a comment which said, “A’ja Wilson best player in da world we are all witnesses.”
A’ja Wilson best player in da world we are all witnesses !!!
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) June 22, 2024
Everyone is familiar that A’ja Wilson’s presence has completely transformed the franchise. Once at the bottom of the league, Wilson’s arrival in 2018 turned the tides in their favor to the extent that they went on to clinch the championships consecutively. This resulted in her becoming a fan favorite. One fan reflected that in his comment which read, “A’ja Wilson is unstoppable man! MY FAV MY FAV MY FAV.”
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Hardly anyone would argue that the 27-year-old is an offensive powerhouse. However, her defensive capabilities have also been an asset for the Aces. Perhaps this is the reason why A’ja Wilson was adjudged the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. This certifies her as one of the greats of the modern era. Keeping that in mind, one X user wrote, “A’ja Wilson is the best player on God’s green earth.”
Apparently, Connecticut’s defense had no answers for Wilson right from the very start. This was not a usual sight considering the fact that the Sun has only lost 2 out of their 15 games. Their inability to contain Wilson grabbed a lot of traction on social media. Pointing it out, one of the Aces’ supporters expressed, “A’ja Wilson, man. Unstoppable.”
Not only the fans but also some popular accounts that cover Women’s college basketball & the WNBA also acknowledged A’ja Wilson’s greatness. One among them was I talk hoops which couldn’t help but applaud her brilliance. The comment read, “A’ja Wilson continues to show why she is the best player in the W.”
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Clearly, A’ja Wilson and the Aces delivered a resounding statement. The win not only brings some confidence back into their camps but also strengthens their playoff chances. Fans will hope they carry their momentum in their upcoming games.