“In the beginning of the year, I’m like, ‘I’m doing the same thing I did last year, [so] why isn’t it working? What’s the problem?’ My leadership was the problem,” said A’ja Wilson back in September. Having been a part of the Las Vegas Aces for 7 years, the 2025 WNBA MVP has served as its leader for the majority of her tenure there. One thing that Wilson realized after each year is that you often have to try out different things with your players from time to time for the betterment of the team and for the sport of basketball. For this season, however, all that Wilson saw was unity, and even that proved to be a tough task.

The Aces star, during a recent interview, was asked about what she told herself when looking in the mirror as a leader this year. She revealed that the biggest thing was “I had to get everybody on board. And it’s gonna look different for everybody. And I think that’s what I struggled with as a leader is understanding that everyone, obviously, is coming from different paths in the way they obtain information, or need motivation. It’s different, but I need everybody in the same book, same chapter”.

Even if it has been a struggle, A’ja Wilson has managed to get at least one teammate on the same page as her. Over the last few months, Wilson has been receiving some notable support from Chelsea Gray. As ESPN reported, Wilson once told her teammate that “There’s no way I should ever have more assists than you”.

The words stung Gray, but, at the same time, she didn’t mind them too much. After all, according to her, “Our relationship is super honest and raw. I’ve cried in front of her. She’s cried in front of me.” Gray averaged 7.1 assists from July till the end of the regular season. However, that number went up to 7.8 in the playoffs. This marked Gray’s highest post-season average of her career!

Before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, the point guard had 10 assists in 3 of the Aces’ first 10 postseason games. 2 of them were the Finals matchups themselves. In Game 2, Wilson scored 28 points, and was helped greatly by Gray contributed with the game-high 10 assists. In Game 1, Gray also led with 10 assists in an 89-86 win, allowing Wilson to add 21 points to the scoreboard. Wilson certainly appreciated having someone like Gray on her side over these last few games. In a recent statement, she even admitted that “She’s always going to be her true self, and it allows you to be your true self. I think that has always been our friendship and our bond. She’s calm through the storm. I’m so grateful for her to be our point guard.”

Therefore, from the looks of it, the Las Vegas Aces managed to get at least one teammate on the same page, and it has benefited the team greatly. As for the rest, they can always do the same by following by example. To do that, Wilson herself has to continue to remain motivated. Fortunately, the competition she faces ensures she remains in her peak condition to give her best.

A’ja Wilson Revealed Finals Rematch With Alyssa Thomas Motivates Her: “Helps Me Elevate Myself”

Back in early October, ESPN’s Kendra Andrews covered A’ja Wilson before the beginning of the 2025 WNBA Finals. The 2x WNBA champion described engaging in the series and the matchups against the Phoenix Mercury by saying, “It’s always fun competing against [Thomas]. It helps me elevate myself, whether it’s defensive schemes, [managing] personnel, or just taking everything to another level every game. We’re going to play our best basketball.”

Despite having played in the WNBA for 11 years, Alyssa Thomas has yet to win a championship. She came really close back in 2019 and 2022. During the latter year, she went up against, wait for it, the Las Vegas Aces! In Games 3 and 4, Alyssa Thomas created history by recording back-to-back triple-doubles against the No. 1-seeded Las Vegas Aces. This feat made her the first player to ever record a triple-double in a Finals game, the first player to record two triple-doubles in back-to-back games (regular season or playoffs), and the first player to record four triple-doubles in a single season in WNBA history. However, her individual prowess wasn’t enough to save the Sun, which allowed the Aces to win their first championship ever.

“I’ve been saying it since training camp. For me, it was a Finals year. It’s disappointing to get to the Finals and lose. It’s even extremely harder to get back to the Finals,” said Thomas when discussing the 2022 Finals. “So, yeah, just for her to be back here (indicating towards Bonner) back playing together, it’s super exciting. Just, exciting for Satou to get her first Finals as well. Um, it’s just a great group. We’re excited, we believe in each other, and Finals bound, and one more to go”.

Therefore, A’ja Wilson isn’t just competing against anyone. She is competing against a motivated Alyssa Thomas seeking redemption. For now, the Aces have managed to reign supreme with their 2-0 record. However, since Alyssa Thomas and co can catch up at any time, the Aces star should continue to be on her guard.