The Nevada-based Aces and their prominent center, A’ja Wilson, secured their third WNBA championship within a four-year span on Friday. They achieved this feat by decisively winning against the Arizona-based Mercury in a four-game series, culminating in a 97-86 victory on the Mercury’s home court.
Following the game’s conclusion, Wilson was observed reveling in the victory and sharing an embrace with her partner, Bam Adebayo, who plays center for the Miami Heat and is a three-time All-Star.
Wilson was awarded the WNBA Finals MVP title, marking her second time receiving this honor in a three-year period. Throughout the series, she maintained an average of 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.
In essence, Wilson solidified her position as the WNBA’s greatest of all time, a status she may have already held before Friday. She now distinguishes herself as the first WNBA player in the league’s 29-year history to simultaneously win the regular-season MVP award, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP award within the same year.
Earlier in the year, Wilson had already made history by becoming the first four-time WNBA MVP. This achievement followed her leadership in guiding Las Vegas to a 16-game winning streak, concluding their regular season. Her contributions included averaging 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals.
Under Wilson’s leadership, the Aces have now firmly established a dynasty. Wilson’s outstanding performance was complemented by contributions from throughout the team’s roster. Notably, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray have now each won three league championships.
Ultimately, Wilson stood proudly beside her championship-winning team on Friday, as the Aces concluded what has been a remarkable year.
