What comes to mind when you think about A’ja Wilson? Two-time WNBA champion. Three-time MVP—at just 28 years old. The Aces’ standout has racked up accolades most players can only dream of. But A’ja isn’t your regular superstar. To her, even three MVPs seem too few, and now she’s eyeing a fourth! However, this season might not be as straightforward as it seems. Just ask Elle Duncan.

During a recent episode of her podcast, she dropped some hot takes about the WNBA landscape. “Caitlin Clark will win MVP. That’s a fact,” Elle declared. “She was as close to the second-best odds to win it last year. And I think after the All-Star break, she had a couple of games where she was basically the favorite to win MVP.” And she’s not wrong to think so.

Fever guard Caitlin Clark had a historic rookie season in 2024. Her popularity exploded and became the headline topic of the league. She even finished fourth in the 2024 WNBA MVP voting—yes, as a rookie. This season, Clark has a legitimate shot at climbing even higher in MVP voting—possibly taking home the award. While it’s rare for a second-year player to reach that level, Clark is anything but ordinary. Averaging 19.2 points per game and a league-leading 8.4 assists, she also dished out 337 assists—setting a new WNBA single-season record.

And there’s more.

Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record multiple triple-doubles in a season. Still not enough? She was selected as a starter in the WNBA All-Star Game, where she dropped a rookie-record 10 assists. Her excellence didn’t stop there—she led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, boosting their win total by seven games from the previous season.

So yeah, the MVP feels within reach. And the Fever seems ready to rally behind her. While the team might fall short of winning the 2025 WNBA Finals, they’re poised to make strides. Indiana added veteran support around Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell this offseason. As a result, they’re better equipped to compete at a higher level.

But don’t expect it to be easy for Clark. Blocking her path is none other than A’ja Wilson. The Aces superstar has not only the experience but also the discipline and drive to stay at the top. But here’s the twist, as noted by Elle Duncan.“Officially in, they won’t make the finals this year. I could see the Aces retooling, but it’s tough to know because you really want to see what the new pieces look like and how they’re able to play with Jewell Loyd”. 

And she’s got a point. Because that could affect Wilson’s chances of clinching the honor as well.

The Aces’ pursuit of a historic three-peat in 2024 was marked by incredible performances but also notable challenges. They wrapped the regular season with a strong 27-13 record and led the league in scoring with 86.4 points per game. But that wasn’t enough to carry them back to the Finals. The cracks in their depth and cohesion showed up when it mattered most. And yet, there’s more to it.

The real competitor is A’ja Wilson, not Aces!

A’ja Wilson was nothing short of sensational this season. She put up an MVP-worthy campaign, leading the league with 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, she made WNBA history by becoming the first player to rack up over 1,000 points in a single season — a true testament to her dominance on both ends of the floor.

But while Wilson kept the Aces afloat with her all-around brilliance, it also exposed a concern that’s been brewing quietly — their depth. When she wasn’t on the court, there was a noticeable drop-off, raising questions about whether the supporting cast could step up when it mattered most.

“And I do still think there’s some depth issues for the ACEs, which is what we saw last year. Like if A’ja’s not out there, then, you know, who’s your dominant post. But I, I think, you know, rumors of their demise have been greatly exaggerated,” said Duncan.

Now, Jewell Loyd’s arrival was meant to give the Aces’ backcourt a real boost—and for the most part, she delivered. With averages of 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, she quickly became a reliable scoring option and playmaker. But even with her impact, the process of blending new faces into a championship system wasn’t smooth sailing.

Injuries didn’t help either. Chelsea Gray, one of the team’s most experienced floor generals, did her part by leading the Aces with 6.2 assists per game in the postseason. Still, there were moments when the team struggled to click—especially under playoff pressure.

“It’s really hard to win a championship three times in a row, just ask the chiefs.And so I’m not ready to say they’re not going to make the finals just yet. I’m just, you know,I’m on a wait and see if I had to handicap it.” added Ellen.

That all was clear in the semifinals, where Las Vegas fell to the New York Liberty 76-62. A loss that came in Game 4, ending their dreams of a three-peat. After the game, Coach Becky Hammon didn’t mince words, pointing to team distractions and a lack of defensive consistency as key reasons for their exit.

Make no mistake—the Aces are still a powerhouse. But last season proved that even the best teams can stumble when depth is tested and chemistry wavers. Moving forward, staying healthy and finding a stronger bench rotation will be just as important as star power if they want to reclaim their crown. So, what do you think?? Will Clark be able to accomplish MVP defeating Wilson??? Stay tuned to know!