A’ja Wilson scored 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help the Las Vegas Aces beat Phoenix Mercury 97-86 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals and win their third title in four seasons.
Wilson, a four-time league MVP, made 17 of 19 free throws as the Aces swept the Mercury in the best-of-seven series.
Wilson earned his second Finals MVP award. She won her first in 2023, the second of two consecutive titles for the Aces.
Only the Houston Comets, who won the first four championship titles (1997-2000), had a better run than the Aces.
“You have your Mount Rushmore, she’s (Wilson) alone on Everest,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.
“There is no one around.”
A’ja Wilson was named Finals MVP for the second time in her career. (Getty Images: Christian Petersen)
Jackie Young had 18 points and eight assists for the Aces, while Chelsea Gray (18 points), Jewell Loyd (12) and Dana Evans (10) each chipped in with valuable contributions.
The Aces finished with 25 wins in their last 28 games.
Their ability to maintain their success may depend on the outcome of negotiations for a new collective agreement.
Most Aces, like the majority of WNBA players, are free agents. The team could look very different next season if the players decide to go elsewhere.
If Wilson, Young, Gray and Loyd choose to stay, the Aces could continue their title streak for a while.
“Vegas is the norm. We’re here for a reason. It took us a little while to get here,” Young said.
“Proud to put on the Aces uniform every night.”
Reuters/AP
