A'ja Wilson Pursues Historic Third Straight WNBA MVP Title
A'ja Wilson is on the cusp of history, vying to become the first player to win the WNBA MVP title three years in a row. The Las Vegas Aces star is well on her way to a third consecutive scoring title, averaging 25.9 points per game this season.
The WNBA season will pause from August 31 to September 16 due to the 2026 FIBA World Cup, with just over two weeks of regular season action remaining. Despite this, Wilson's dominance on the court has not wavered. Her 51.8/40.5/86.1 shooting splits are impressive, and she's on pace to record the second-highest single-season scoring average ever.
Wilson's impressive stats are matched only by her influence on the team. She has scored more than one-fourth of the Aces' points this season, and her on/off splits are staggering. The Aces' record of 25-13 is a testament to Wilson's leadership.
The reigning champion Aces have struggled since the All-Star break, but Wilson has carried the team on both sides of the ball. Her advanced stats love her, with a league-leading 7.3 win shares and a +5.7 RAPM.
While Wilson's status as the reigning back-to-back MVP is impossible to ignore, she's not coasting on her previous success. This is one of the best individual seasons in league history, and Wilson is likely going to win MVP. However, there's still just enough of the season remaining that she doesn't have it completely locked up.
Other players, including Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, are vying for the top spot. Miles is having one of the best rookie campaigns ever, averaging 19.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Clark has had a fascinating season, with incredible highs and lows.
Clark is averaging a career-high 21.7 points and 8.3 assists per game, with a league-leading 90 three-pointers. However, her inconsistency and turnover issues have made it difficult for her to challenge Wilson for the MVP title.
Miles' brilliance, particularly on the offensive end, has been a major reason why the Lynx have far exceeded expectations this season. They lost six rotation players during the offseason and yet are four games ahead of every other team. Miles has been the best player on the league's best team from start to finish, but it's unclear if it will be enough for her to become the first rookie since Parker to win MVP.
The WNBA season will continue after the pause, with the regular season coming to a close on September 24. The top teams will battle for the top seed, and Wilson will look to solidify her position as the favorite for the MVP title. The question on everyone's mind is: will anyone be able to overtake Wilson for the top spot?
Source: CBS