A’ja Wilson’s 2024 Milestone: Major Accolades Unveiled
The results have been tallied, and A’ja Wilson, the star center for the Las Vegas Aces, has emerged as the winner of the 2024 WNBA MVP Award. At the age of 28, Wilson has previously clinched the title of Most Valuable Player in the WNBA twice, achieving the feat in 2020 and 2022. On this occasion, she joins a select group of former WNBA players, including Lauren Jackson, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lisa Leslie, as the only individuals in league history to have secured the MVP honor three times. Wilson garnered 67 first-place votes, a substantial margin over the competition, making her the only player to receive first-place votes. She has also been selected for the AP All-WNBA First Team alongside Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas. In celebration of Wilson’s MVP win, the Las Vegas Aces took to social media to highlight 14 of her standout achievements, including leading in rebounds and points scored in a single season.
The winner of the WNBA MVP Award was determined through a ranking system by a 68-member panel. A’ja Wilson received the highest score of 670 points, followed by Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx who earned 66 votes for second place and one for third place. Collier's impressive statistics include averages of 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Breanna Stewart from the New York Liberty secured one second-place vote, 52 third-place votes, nine fourth-place votes, and a fifth-place vote. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever followed with six third-place votes, 26 fourth-place votes, and 22 fifth-place votes. Clark not only made the 2024 AP All-WNBA Team but also made the 2024 AP All-Rookie Team and was named AP Rookie of the Year. Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun received two third-place votes, 17 fourth-place votes, and 22 fifth-place votes. The top five cumulative scores in the ranking are 670, 467, 295, 130, and 83. The remaining players in the 2024 WNBA MVP Award voting list represent teams from across the league, including Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings, and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, who joins Caitlin Clark and others on the AP All-Rookie Team.
A'ja Wilson's 2024 WNBA season has been marked by a display of exceptional performance, underscoring her development and dominance on the basketball court. This season, Wilson has not only enhanced her personal playing abilities but also significantly enhanced the Las Vegas Aces' overall team performance, establishing them as strong contenders for another championship title. Wilson's progress is clearly indicated by her statistical achievements. She achieved a career-high average of 26.87 points per game, surpassing the WNBA's previous single-season scoring record set by Diana Taurasi. Additionally, her rebounding was notable, averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, while also leading the league in blocks with an impressive 2.58 per game. These statistics underscore her versatility as a player, cementing her status as a formidable presence on both offense and defense.
Wilson’s leadership has played a crucial role in the success of the Aces. Her ability to excel under pressure and maintain consistency has motivated her teammates to improve their own performance. She has been an influential voice within the team, guiding them through difficult matches and ensuring they remain focused on their main objective: defending their championship title. Wilson possesses a clear vision for the Aces, aspiring to lead them to a significant third consecutive WNBA Championship, a milestone not accomplished since the Houston Comets' dominance in the late 1990s. Her unwavering determination and strong work ethic have set a positive example for the team, and her performance during critical moments has been decisive. As the Aces head into the playoffs, Wilson's experience and leadership will be vital in overcoming the obstacles that lie ahead.
