Despite Donning LeBron James Mentality, A’ja Wilson “Hurt Like Hell” After Losing Historic MVP Status to Breanna Stewart

The Las Vegas Aces have been an absolute powerhouse in the last two seasons, and much of their success can be attributed to the incredible talents of their two-time WNBA MVP, A’ja Wilson. Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart received her second WNBA MVP award just hours before the Aces took on the Dallas Wings.

This marked a significant moment, as she edged past tough competition from Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson.

A’ja Wilson loses the WNBA MVP award to Breanna Stewart

The MVP race this season was exceptionally tight, with just seven points separating Stewart and Alyssa Thomas. Stewart secured 446 points, which included 20 first-place votes, 23 second-place votes and 17 third-place votes. Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas was a close second with 439 points, and the 2022 MVP, Wilson, wasn’t far behind with 433 points.

Stewart graciously accepted the award in front of her family, teammates and her adorable daughter, Ruby, who sported an MVP T-shirt with her mom’s image on it.

On the other hand, out of disappointment, A’ja Wilson admitted, “[It] hurt like hell.” She entered the game this season with sheer motivation and a second championship in mind.

In a recent post-game interview, when asked about her thoughts on being the first player to score 30 points or more in three consecutive playoff games, Wilson reflected a mentality reminiscent of NBA legend LeBron James with her response.

She said, “Playoff basketball, this is what I get paid to do, I get paid to play basketball and have fun with my teammates, and I just go out there and try my best, my teammates find me in the spots. But this is kind of what I’m made for and I try to make sure that my team’s doing the same.”

It might not be overstating things to compare A’ja Wilson to LeBron James. Wilson demonstrated a mentality similar to the NBA standout during the course of the season.

Read More: Surpassing Favourites A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart Inks Her Mark on WNBA History

She put up incredible numbers in both the regular season and the playoffs, much like James, proving how devoted she is to her team’s success.

LeBron James of the WNBA

When LeBron James led a weaker Cleveland Cavaliers team without their early season’s star player Kyrie Irving to the NBA Finals in 2018, James delivered one of his most impressive runs. The 4x NBA champion displayed an undeniable impact on the Eastern Conference, notably against the Toronto Raptors. Despite their NBA Finals defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, James went over and over above in a 0-4 sweep against a team that played with 5 All-Star players in the line-up.

A’ja Wilson’s mentality, akin to LeBron’s, has undoubtedly been a driving force for her and the Las Vegas Aces. She might not have won the 2023 MVP, but her unwavering commitment, and focus on the larger picture have made her an excellent leader both on and off the court. Nobody in the WNBA exemplifies a greater winning mindset than A’ja Wilson herself.

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