Something changed after the WNBA All-Star break: the Aces appeared more clean and collected. They have only lost three out of 12 games, putting themselves fourth in the standings. While the break gave the team a chance to rest and improve, one player has been making history and playing a crucial role in the turnaround: A’ja Wilson.
Wilson isn’t just a player on the Aces, she’s become a household name. The three-time MVP came out with her own shoe line with Nike this year, debuting the pink A’Ones in the preseason. However, this season, she’s continued to make history and is leading the Aces to the playoffs.
After the All-Star break, Wilson took on a larger role to help the team: she’s been assisting with scouting. When asked about her role in scouting and player matchups, coach Becky Hammon told reporters at practice to “ask coach A’ja.”
“I’m really starting to see the game through a different lense,” Wilson told reporters at practice. “But now that Becky’s kind of put in our hands, now I have to do one through five. Now, I’m knowing everyone in this matchup, which kind of helps me see the game in a different way.”
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The Aces started a win streak, starting with their third matchup with the Golden State Valkyries. Wilson racked up 14 points and 14 rebounds, another double double to add to her counter. This season, Wilson racked up 16 double doubles, tied with Alyssa Thomas for second in the WNBA in double doubles.
Wilson once again led the Aces to victory in their fourth matchup against the Valkyries. Wilson went 8-11 from field goals, and 11-11 from the free throw line. The Aces took away the 78-72 win, preparing for their next critical homestand.
On her 29th birthday and forward NaLyssa Smith’s 25th birthday, the homestead began with a rematch against the Seattle Storm. With another double double, Wilson led with 29 points on this special birthday. Wilson had 12 rebounds as well, along with three assists. Wilson talked about how special it was to celebrate in front of the fans.
“Celebrating your birthday in Paris and being a gold medalist is kind of hard to top,” Wilson told reporters after the game, “but I’m blessed for all my birthdays, and I definitely want to say thank you to all the fans. I have a purse full of cards, balloons and everything, so that never goes unnoticed.”
Her dominance didn’t stop there. In their matchup against the Connecticut Sun on August 10th, Wilson became the first player in league history to record 30 or more points along with 20 or more rebounds. With her 32 points and 20 rebounds, she led the Aces and the league with her new record.
“It’s just A’ja being A’ja,” Hammon told reporters after the game, “she’s elite, a lot of different things, so not surprised. She probably could have had one of these in the past. I never really let her go to the offensive glass this year, where we’ve been emphasizing that more. It’s been helpful in her rebounding numbers too, because now she can go on both ends.”
Her newer focus on rebounding and scouting paid off as they faced the defending champions, the New York Liberty. It was a matchup for the ages, considering these two teams became heated rivals. With two stars with shoe lines battling for a critical playoff spot, the Aces took the win on home court, winning 83-77.
Wilson played a critical role, with 17 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Wilson and the Aces forced 11 turnovers, scoring 10 points off of those turnovers.
“They’ve weathered the storm,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello told reporters before the game, “and they’re certain of the last 10. I think A’ja and Jackie [Young] have been way more involved in the offense.”
The playoff push continued as the Aces and Phoenix Mercury faced off in the desert heat. The matchup at PHX Arena saw the Aces take away the win with an 86-83 final, with Wilson once again leading with 30 points. Alongside her 16 rebounds, Wilson now has the most 30-15 double-double games in league history.
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In this close win, Wilson highlighted how despite wanting a win badly, especially with this push for a playoff spot, it can’t be forced. With her response to reporters, she had a viral quote.
”If I try (to) force it because I want to win so bad for my team,” Wilson told reporters, “it’s like forcing a fart. All you get is s***.”
Her record-breaking streak continued against the Dallas Wings. In the 106-87 win, Wilson now has the most games in league history with 20 or more points, five or more rebounds, two or more steals, and two or more blocks. Wilson had 34 points, along with eight rebounds, an assist, two steals, and three blocks. With those three blocks, Wilson passed Ruth Riley in the all-time most blocks list, coming in at 9th with 505 blocks.
Wilson is putting herself back in the MVP contention, with Wilson having multiple 30 point games. Hammon highlighted how Wilson is a player that draws two to three players on her when the Aces are on offense, and continues to score and push her team to win.
“I mean, it’s hard to ignore when you’re dropping 30 every night,” Hammon told reporters after the game. “The team is playing better, that always helps. But again, her efficiency, you know, getting 30 on however many shots is quite an accomplishment. But even A would tell you she’s more interested in the wins… Sometimes with A, the other teams, obviously she’s right at the top of the scouting report.”
Wilson and the Aces look to extend their seven-game win streak and continue their push for the playoffs. With Wilson still in talks for MVP, her and the Aces take on the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, August 19th at Michelob Ultra Arena. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. PST, and will be live on NBA-TV.
