The hype around LV Aces’ quest for a three-peat was undeniable, but unfortunately, it’s shattered now. Despite A’ja Wilson’s outstanding individual performances, the team fell short of making it to the Finals. The New York Liberty got its revenge for the 2023 Finals loss. Even after pulling quite a shift in Game 4 of the semis, Wilson is facing criticism. Amidst it all, her forever fan girl Sheryl Swoopes got her back no matter what.

Swoopes jumped to the 2× WNBA champion’s defense on social media, resharing a post that said, “I don’t care what team you root for, don’t ever disrespect A’ja Wilson around here.” And this really sits well! Although the LV Aces fell 76-62 to the Liberty on Sunday, Wilson put up some great numbers: a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. But it just wasn’t enough to carry her team over the finish line. 

Despite being crowned MVP, the star has been facing backlash after the disappointing Game 4 loss. Fans are pointing fingers, talking about her inability to lift her team, leading to comments like, “Not my MVP” and questioning the hype surrounding her. While Wilson couldn’t reproduce her regular season numbers, she still averaged a team-high 20.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in the series against the Liberty. Definitely not something she needs to be held accountable for.

The same thing happened earlier in the season too. After the Aces lost three consecutive games in June, critics questioned her performance and decision-making. At the same time, Swoopes was always seen cheering on for her. Meanwhile, Wilson has also openly acknowledged Swoopes as an inspiration and ‘motherly’ figure. Their mutual respect and admiration show the supportive nature of the women’s basketball community. While Swoopes has been called out for her criticism of Caitlin Clark, she has supported others without fail.

Sheryl Swoopes will always be in the corner of A’ja Wilson

The Hall of Famer Swoopes has been vocal in the Aces star’s admiration all year long. “A’ja plays with a fire and passion that is rare, and she leaves it all out on the court every single night,” she said during a press conference after the USA women’s basketball team secured a win against Belgium in the Olympics. Then, she couldn’t contain her excitement when Wilson made history as the first player to score 1,000 points in a single WNBA season. 

She exclaimed, “A’ja is on a whole another level,” highlighting just how impressed she was. The praise continued to pour in after the Olympic Gold medallist secured her third MVP title. Swoopes took to social media to express her admiration, saying, “Congratulations on becoming a three-time MVP. What an incredible accomplishment! I am truly in awe of your greatness.”

Looking back at the 2024 season, there’s no doubt Wilson’s season was filled with standout moments, making her an irreplaceable asset for the Aces regardless of this season’s results. And truly, after achieving remarkable milestones such as becoming a three-time MVP, and breaking multiple records, the Aces star doesn’t deserve the treatment she is facing just because of an early elimination.