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By Cassandra Cousineau, LVSportsBiz.com Aces/WNBA Writer
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson did all she could to try and will the two-time defending WNBA champs to a win over the visiting Seattle Storm at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena Frday.
But with an ailing Jackie Young mustering a mere three points on 1-of-12 shooting, the Aces lost to Seattle, 78-65.
The Aces scored only 12 points in the second period and 14 points in the fourth period. And in that decisive fourth quarter, the Aces were 0 for 7 from three-point land.
Aces coach Becky Hammon was unhappy with the team’s performance, noting in her post-game presser that the Aces’ mental approach was lacking. She dropped in a few F-bombs to hammer home her point.
“Not very good . . . We’re not a very good team right now,” Hammon said.
Wilson is having an MVP season and she scored 29 points. Guard Kelsey Plum was the only other Aces players to score in double figures with 18 points.
Here’s Wilson in her post-game presser.
“It does suck that we just can’t complete it game after game, after game,” Wilson said. “The high is coming and right now we’re just gonna continue to stay on this path.”
The Aces have won five of their eight games and have split two Commissioner’s Cup games with the loss to Seattle.
Despite the Aces’ loss tonight, Wilson is having an epic season.
She’s not just making headlines; she’s creating history with her extraordinary performance this season.
Just eight games in, the forward is already being heralded as the frontrunner for the league’s MVP award, a recognition that many believe was unfairly taken from her last season. If she keeps playing at her current pace, Wilson could soon cement her status as the best women’s basketball player on the planet.
Wilson, who has been a franchise cornerstone since being drafted as the first overall pick in 2018, is delivering what could be her most impressive season yet. She’s averaging a staggering 27.5 points per game, leading the league not just in scoring but also in rebounds, with an average of 12.6 per game. Her dominance on the court is further exemplified by her 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals per game, making her a problem for every team on both ends of the floor.
Last month, she set a new WNBA record with her fifth consecutive game scoring at least 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, a feat no other player has achieved. “I’m just focused on helping my team win,” Wilson said after a recent game. “The MVP talk is flattering, but my goal is to lead the Aces to another championship. Everything else is a bonus,” said the league’s May Player of the Month.
Indeed, Wilson’s contributions have been pivotal to the Aces’ 5-3 record, positioning them as early favorites for another championship run. Her performance has been a blend of power and finesse, with a shooting percentage of 52 percent from the field, including an impressive 40 percent from beyond the arc.
The numbers tell only part of Wilson’s story.
Her leadership on and off the court has been equally remarkable. As a veteran, Wilson embodies the kind of leadership that inspires not only her team but also sets a powerful example for younger players. She has taken on a mentor role for rookies like Kate Martin, guiding them through the challenges of a demanding season while maintaining a laser focus on her own performance.
Wilson’s influence extends beyond the stat sheet. After the second game of the season, Wilson praised Martin’s early performance as a professional
. “I try to uplift her in every single way that I can,” Wilson said. “Today, I looked at her and said, ‘Believe in yourself. Go!'”
The former Iowa standout acknowledged the impact of Wilson’s mentorship: “A’ja has instilled a lot of confidence in me. She’s been telling me to believe in myself and look to score,” Martin said.
Wilson’s encouragement and veteran leadership have been instrumental in helping Martin and other young players develop their game and contribute to the team’s success.
Her dominance on the court extends beyond the regular season. Before an exhibition game against Puerto Rico at her alma mater, South Carolina University, Wilson made headlines again by wearing a sweatshirt that read “ofcourseihaveashoe.com.” This was in anticipation of her signature Nike shoe, set to launch in early 2025, confirming her status as a cultural icon both on and off the court.
Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, league champion, and Defensive Player of the Year, continues to accumulate accolades this year. She recently became a New York Times bestselling author with her book Dear Black Girl, which has resonated deeply with her fans. The book, titled Dear Black Girls: How to be True to You, inspired a teenage fan in Atlanta so much that she was moved to tears while holding it.
“This is what you worked so hard for. This is what you wanted to go after,” Wilson said when announcing her official partnership with Gatorade as an Elite Athlete. “The best is yet to come.”
“A’ja is playing out of her mind,” Hammon said. “She’s taken her game to another level, and it’s been incredible to watch. She’s not just scoring; she’s impacting every aspect of the game. I mean, she’s the best player in the world.”
The Aces play the Sparks in Los Angeles on Sunday before returning to play Minnesota Tuesday.
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Four Aces players on the U.S. national women’s basketball team: The reigning two-time WNBA champions will send A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They will join a talented team featuring WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury, and efficient sharpshooter Jewel Lloyd of the Seattle Storm among others.