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A'ja Wilson is having one of the best seasons of her career. The Las Vegas Aces center is the pillar of her team's offense, and her defensive contribution has been essential for the 11-5 record they have so far. Her performance is already earning her recognition, and her teammate Kelsey Plum has no doubt that she will receive even more.
In 16 games this season, Wilson is averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.9 steals. For her career, the South Carolina University product is averaging 20.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals.
In her career, the Aces center has won every possible accolade. She was named WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2020 and 2022 seasons, was the 2023 Finals MVP, won the 2022 and 2023 championships, has been named an All-Star six times, and was Rookie of the Year in 2018.
After a superb performance Tuesday night against Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever, in which Wilson once again shattered her own career averages, Kelsey Plum believed she is on track to be the undisputed regular season MVP for the third time.
It will be a unanimous decision: Plum
In the press conference following the 88-69 victory over the Fever, Plum made Wilson's case for this season's MVP. "Just another night at the office, like, we take it for granted. But we're watching one of the greatest players of all time in front of our eyes..." she said.
She admitted that Wilson has fans and media so accustomed to her big performances that even the 28 points she scored Tuesday against Indiana seem normal. However, she explained that reaching that number consistently "is crazy."
Furthermore, the Aces guard assured that Wilson will have no competition to obtain the award once again. "It's a unanimous vote this year [for her as MVP], you feel me? Just saying," she stated.
What's next for Wilson and the Aces
With two-thirds of the regular season still ahead, Wilson, Plum, and the Aces still have many challenges waiting for them, starting tonight. After the game against Indiana, they will host the Washington Mystics at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
On Friday, they will travel to Los Angeles to face the Sparks, and on Sunday, they will return home to host the Dallas Wings. The following week will be complicated for the team with visits to the Seattle Storm, the Atlanta Dream, and the Mystics, but then they will host the Chicago Sky, the New York Liberty, and the Sparks.
The road is still long, however, Wilson has proven time and time again that she has the quality and resilience to not only take her team to the top but to pick up some individual accolades in the process.