A’ja Wilson capped an extraordinary season by leading the Las Vegas Aces to the WNBA championship, achieving an unprecedented feat in the league’s history. In 2025, Wilson not only secured the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the scoring title but also earned the Finals MVP honor. Her accomplishments mirror those of legendary NBA players, yet she distinguished herself by sharing the Defensive Player of the Year award with Minnesota’s Alanna Smith.
Wilson’s remarkable performance was evident as she guided the Aces to a four-game sweep against the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals. Following the decisive victory, Wilson reflected on her achievements, stating, “I think greatness is …” before being interrupted by Aces coach Becky Hammon, who emphasized Wilson’s exceptional contributions to the team.
For context, this season saw Wilson demonstrate statistical prowess that has seldom been matched. In the title-clinching game, she recorded 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots, and two steals. This performance put her in rare company, as only five players in WNBA history have achieved such a stat line in a single game. Notably, Wilson surpassed Candace Parker for third place on the WNBA’s all-time playoff scoring list, amassing a total of 1,171 points, placing her just behind Diana Taurasi and DeWanna Bonner.
Unprecedented Achievements and Records
Wilson’s success extends beyond individual accolades; she has now been a champion for five consecutive years, accumulating six titles in total. Her impressive resume includes a gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a WNBA championship and World Cup gold in 2022, another WNBA title in 2023, and a gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024. This season alone, she has solidified her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Her scoring prowess is further illustrated by her record-setting performance in the WNBA Finals. With a total of 114 points during the series, Wilson broke the previous record of 110 points set by Cappie Pondexter in 2007. In addition, her playoff totals of 322 points and 120 rebounds this year establish new WNBA records, surpassing the previous marks of 285 points and 116 rebounds.
Wilson’s season statistics reflect her dominance in the league. She finished the regular season averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, becoming the first player in WNBA history to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in two separate seasons. This level of achievement is indicative of her consistency and skill.
Setting New Standards Before Turning 30
Remarkably, Wilson has accomplished all of this before her 30th birthday, which is not until August 2024. She holds the record for the most total points in WNBA history before turning 30, with 6,890 points, surpassing the previous mark of 6,223 set by Lauren Jackson. In terms of rebounds, Wilson also leads her peers with a total of 3,039 when factoring in playoffs, just ahead of Charles’ 3,025.
Wilson’s achievements have not only solidified her legacy but also set a benchmark for future players in the WNBA. As she continues to excel on the court, her contributions to the sport will leave an indelible mark on its history. The Aces’ victory this season underscores the team’s prowess and Wilson’s role as a pivotal player in the evolution of women’s basketball.