A’ja Wilson Becomes Second Unanimous MVP in WNBA History

In a season in which she modified WNBA history, it goes without saying that A’ja Wilson’s third MVP award is one which has etched itself into the history books of the Las Vegas Aces star and the face of the WNBA.

According to Wilson’s unanimous Most Valuable Player award this implies only the second time in league history for a player to win the award in such dominant fashion. The only other player to perform that feat is former Houston Comets star Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, who had probably the greatest statistical seasons in league history.

Much like Cooper, who won the trophy in 1997, there was little to stop Wilson, who set latest records in points per game, total points and total rebounds. She also became the primary player to steer the WNBA in points, blocks and rebounds in the identical season. Wilson also became the primary player to eclipse 1,000 points in a season, amassing 1,021 points.

Earlier in September, Aces coach Becky Hammon told reporters that Wilson had been in the zone virtually all the season.

“I don’t want it to ever fade away how good (A’ja) is,” Hammon said. “She just does everything. She’s in the running, so sometimes I want to shake her and say, ‘You know how good you are?’ But then I don’t want to shake her because I don’t want to wake her up. She can just stay in whatever zone she’s in.”

With her latest MVP trophy, Wilson joins Sheryl Swoopes, Lauren Jackson and Lisa Leslie because the only three-time WNBA MVP winners in league history. She can be the favourite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award for a 3rd time, tying her with Swoopes, Tamika Catchings and Sylvia Fowles.

Wilson all but admitted that one MVP voter voted her the league’s fourth-best player throughout the tight 2023 MVP race, which was ultimately won by the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas. During the Aces’ victory parade, Wilson noted, “Whoever’s out there who voted me fourth (for MVP), thank you. Thank you so much,” Wilson said. “I want to say I appreciate you because it just means I have a lot of work to do.”

As the WNBA record books show, she has delivered on her duties this season and beyond, and has led the U.S. Women’s National Team to a different gold medal together with her regular play on each ends of the court.

At a team meeting, Wilson told the remaining of the Aces that her trophy was truly dedicated to them and that she remained committed to the organization. “I can’t thank you all enough. I hope you understand how much you mean to me. I hope you know that this trophy is nothing without all of you. We’ve been through the ringer — and we’ll keep going through the ringer — but there’s one thing you never have to worry about: A’ja’s not going anywhere.”

In addition to the person award, Wilson is predicted to receive First Team All-WNBA and First Team All-Defense honors, as projected by and . Wilson and the Aces head into the postseason because the fourth seed in the Western Conference, where they’ll face the Seattle Storm at home on Sept. 22.