With the highly anticipated 2024-25 WNBA season finally tipping off, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson is getting an early start on what could be her third MVP award since being drafted six years ago.
Recording 30 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in 35 minutes, Wilson led the Aces to a nine-point victory against the Phoenix Mercury. She led all players in points, rebounds, and free-throws made (10). Missing 6-foot-9 star center Brittney Griner, who is out indefinitely with a toe fracture, the Mercury were unable to do anything with Wilson inside. Showing off her soft touch all night as well, the five-time All-Star clearly didn’t miss a beat after averaging 21.3 points, 12.5 rebounds per game, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in the 2023 WNBA Finals.
As she told Boardroom’s Vinciane Ngomsi, “the standard is top tier. When you think of top-tier, top-shelf, it’s things that are up there for a reason. And that is my standard.”
A’JA. WILSON. 🔥
The 2023 Finals MVP picked up right where she left off with a double-double, 30 PT performance in tonight’s W over the Mercury
STATS: 30 PTS, 13 REBS, 5 AST#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/GsV3lW6Twi
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2024
“It is making sure that whatever I do…,” Wilson continues, “that’s her, that’s A’ja, that’s top tier.”
A’ja Wilson Opens Up About Being In GOAT Conversation
In her Cover Story interview, Wilson addressed myriad topics, from a potential three-peat to her marketability. Among her most interesting answers were those about how she feels about being in GOAT conversations.
“I would love to have my name mentioned in conversations when talking about the greatest women’s basketball player to every play,” Wilson begins, “…but in my eyes, I still have a lot more to do to even be in that conversation.”
“I feel like they’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg,” the 27-year-old adds. “Just wait…So, ‘GOAT in training,’ heavy on the ‘in training’ because I still have so much to give.”
One of the most decorated players in the W, Wilson is at the head of the class, with New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart nipping at her heels. However, there are multiple legends in front of her on the all-time list, such as Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes. A 13-time All-Star and four-time WNBA champion, former star guard Sue Bird also has the upper hand on Wilson.
For now.
If the Aces can sustain their momentum, becoming the first team since Swoopes’ Houston Comets to three-peat, even she may have to admit she’s one of the greats.
