A'ja Wilson, the center of Las vegas aces tied the WNBA record with her third MVP award. She also helped her side beat the Seattle Storm 78-67 in Game 1 of their playoff series. The Aces played great defense, allowing the Storm only two free throws in the fourth quarter. The game started slowly for Wilson, who made just 1 of 8 shots and scored only four points by halftime.
Seattle took advantage, leading 42-38 at the break after Jordan Horston and Mercedes Russell scored two free throws each in the final seconds. The third quarter was different. Wilson bounced back, scoring 15 points, including a three-pointer, and leading the Aces to 26 points in that quarter. Skylar Diggins-Smith’s three-point play gave Seattle a 65-64 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Plum contributed too
Kelsey Plum, who had a tough start, scored first in the fourth, giving Las Vegas the lead. Seattle struggled, missing their first seven shots. Wilson and Tiffany Hayes hit back-to-back layups, extending the Aces’ lead to 70-65 with just under five minutes left. Diggins-Smith cut the lead to three with free throws, but Chelsea Gray scored two key baskets in an 8-0 run that secured the win. Seattle missed all 13 of their shots and committed six turnovers in the last quarter.
Hayes contributed 20 points and five steals off the bench. Gray added 16 points and seven assists, while Jackie Young scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Wilson also had eight rebounds, joining Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson as the only players with three MVP awards.
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What happened in the match?
For Seattle, Diggins-Smith led with 16 points and eight assists. Gabby Williams had 14 points and eight rebounds, and Nneka Ogwumike added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Horston scored 10 points off the bench. The Aces had lost to the Storm by 13 earlier this season, but they finished strong, winning their last three games against Seattle, two by double digits.
Las Vegas will host Game 2 on Tuesday, with a possible Game 3 in Seattle on Wednesday if needed. Wilson received wide support for her MVP award, earning 67 first-place votes, highlighting her standout performance in the league.
A'ja Wilson's triumph
This marks Wilson's third WNBA MVP award, adding to her previous achievements from 2020 and 2022. Her popularity can be seen by her votes which she received for MVP- 67 first-place votes.
Las Vegas Aces shared a heartfelt video where Wilson emotionally conveyed her gratitude to her teammates, acknowledging their integral role in her success.
During her speech, Wilson said, “I cannot thank you all enough. I hope you guys understand how much you mean to me. I hope you guys know that this trophy is nothing without y’all. We’ve been through the ringer – and we gon’ continue to go through the ringer – but one thing y’all don’t ever have to worry about is A’ja going anywhere.”
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