Richard Dean
Updated on: October 13, 2024 8:20 am GMT
A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has made history once again, being named the 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in a unanimous vote. This marks not only her third MVP award but also places her among an elite group in league history, as she becomes only the second player to achieve a unanimous selection.
Historic Unanimous Win
On Sunday, the WNBA announced that Wilson received all 67 first-place votes from a national media panel. The achievement is a notable feat, especially considering she joins the legendary Cynthia Cooper, who was the first to earn this honor in the league’s inaugural season back in 1997. With this award, Wilson reinforces her status as one of the premier talents in professional basketball.
The numbers tell the story of a stellar season:
- Points Per Game: 26.9
- Rebounds Per Game: 11.8
- Total Points: 1,021
- Total Rebounds: 451
- Blocks: 98 (leading the league)
Wilson is now a three-time MVP (previously in 2020 and 2022), joining icons such as Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, who are also three-time recipients of this prestigious award.
Exceptional Season Performance
The 6-foot-4 forward has had an astonishing season, setting a new WNBA single-season record for scoring average at 26.9 points per game. This record broke the longstanding achievement of fellow star Diana Taurasi, who set the previous mark at 25.3 points per game in 2006.
In just 38 games, Wilson solidified her dominance on the court:
- Scored at least 20 points in 34 games.
- Posted a season-high of 42 points against Dallas.
- Followed closely with 41 points against Phoenix.
Her contributions were not just on the offensive end; Wilson’s rebounding was remarkable as well. She averaged 9.8 defensive rebounds per game, marking the best single-season average in league history.
Quotes from Wilson
Reflecting on her performance and motivation, Wilson stated, “I didn’t want to give that person that energy, that’s when I started to lock in.” Her commitment and drive seem to have propelled her to even greater heights following the Aces’ triumph in the previous season.
Top Players in MVP Voting
The MVP voting showcased significant talent throughout the league, with the following players earning recognition:
- Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx – 467 points (2nd place)
- Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty – 295 points (3rd place)
- Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever – 130 points (4th place)
- Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun – 83 points (5th place)
Napheesa Collier, in her pursuit of the MVP, demonstrated strong performances throughout the season but fell short of Wilson’s dominance.
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, the 2024 WNBA MVP, has shown outstanding performance on the court this season.
Looking Ahead: The 2024 WNBA Playoffs
As the regular season comes to a close, teams across the league are gearing up for the WNBA playoffs. The Aces will be in a strong position as they look to defend their title. Their path will include facing off against some of the toughest competitors in the league.
What to Expect in the Playoffs
Fans can look forward to exciting matchups that could see standout performances, including:
- Aces’ continued dominance with Wilson leading the charge.
- Potential upsets as lower-seeded teams aim for a surprise playoff run.
- Key player matchups that highlight individual talents.
For those interested in watching the playoffs unfold, numerous streaming platforms will provide coverage, ensuring that fans can follow their favorite teams and players.
A’ja Wilson won the MVP award this year because of her hard work and amazing skills in basketball. As the playoffs get closer, everyone is excited to see if she and the Aces can win another championship. The postseason is almost here, and it promises to be full of exciting basketball for fans all over the country!
