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A’ja Wilson Makes WNBA History With Monster Performance During Aces-Sparks originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
A’ja Wilson is a premier talent in the WNBA. While her presence as one of the best players in the WNBA often gets overshadowed by the attention Caitlin Clark garners, Wilson has established herself as an MVP candidate every year.
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Wilson, 28, is the reigning WNBA MVP, has won the award three times, and has yet to finish outside the top-eight in MVP voting throughout her career. As exceptional of a career as Wilson has had already, she appears to have taken her game to another level in year No. 8.
Friday night was a perfect showcase of Wilson’s all-around talent. While the storyline that propped the Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks up to begin the night was Kelsey Plum’s first game against her former team, Wilson’s performance was clearly the headline to end the night.
Wilson scored 35 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out six assists, and added three blocks and three steals.
This is the first time in WNBA history a player has scored at least 30 points, hauled in at least 10 rebounds, handed out at least five assists, while also having at least three blocks and three steals.
The Aces and Wilson would ultimately spoil Plum’s return to Las Vegas, taking down the Sparks 96-81. Plum struggled against her former team, scoring 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting including 1-for-7 from 3-point range. She would finish with more turnovers (five) than assists (three), and was completely overshadowed by her former teammate.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Sparks at the end of the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Even with Wilson’s monster performance, she remains the third favorite (plus-850) to win MVP this season. Napheesa Collier is the favorite (minus-280) with Clark, despite her injury, hanging on as the second favorite (plus-450). These odds are per FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Wilson would be just the second player in WNBA history to win the MVP award in consecutive seasons. Only Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets in 1997 and 1998 has won MVP in back-to-back seasons.
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Fever Teammate Becomes Favorite to Win Major WNBA Award
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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