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With Floyd Mayweather Sitting Courtside, A’ja Wilson Delivers a Gutsy Performance, From a Bruising Collision to Emulating LeBron James’ Spectacle

Published 09/25/2023, 12:23 PM EDT

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A’ja Wilson received another hardware before Game 1 of the Las Vegas Aces’ semifinal series with the Dallas Wings on Sunday. After that, she went out and showed why she might not be done getting awards this WNBA season. By the end of the game, A’ja Wilson was out of breath after scoring the last eight points of the third quarter, lit up at the question. What makes her such a menace on the defensive end?

While the Aces sailed past the Dallas side, the first game of the series had a special guest in attendance.

A’ja Wilson delivers an iconic performance

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Floyd Mayweather, the former Lightweight boxing champion, took a courtside seat at the Michelob Ultra Arena during the semifinal game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings. It was clear that this game was going to be special, with Mayweather in attendance, and A’ja Wilson, the star player of the Aces, made sure it lived up to the hype.

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Wilson’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. She scored 34 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots, leading the Aces to a decisive 97-83 victory over the Wings. Her field goal percentage was an astonishing 71.4%, tying a WNBA record for field goals in a playoff game. Before the game even started, Wilson accepted the Defensive Player of the Year trophy, setting the stage for her dominant performance on both ends of the court.

But it wasn’t just her skills on the court that drew attention; it was her fearless and relentless approach to the game. In the third quarter, with just 9 minutes on the clock, the Aces were leading by a slim 4 points. In a crucial attempt, Wilson went all out to block the shot as Wings forward Satou Sabally attempted a layup. The result? A bruising collision that sent both players crashing to the ground. Wilson’s commitment to making a defensive play, even at the risk of physical contact, showed her determination to win.

Wilson emulating LeBron James’ athleticism

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Wilson’s audacious performance continued throughout the game. In the final quarter, with only 1 minute remaining on the clock and the Aces comfortably ahead by 17 points, she exhibited LeBron James-like athleticism. As she attempted to intercept a pass from Crystal Dangerfield, Wilson managed to leap into the air and successfully catch the ball. But as a result, she lost her balance and ended up running into the stands. It was a spectacle reminiscent of LeBron James himself, a player known for his gravity-defying feats on the court.

The Lakers legend has had his share of iconic moments, including jumping off stands to intercept a pass from Curry. Wilson’s bold play echoed James’ athleticism, highlighting her commitment to every moment, even in a decided game.

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It’s this kind of commitment that sets players like James and Wilson apart from the rest of the pack. With Wilson winning the DPOY, what are her chances of winning the WNBA MVP this season? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Almas Saad

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Mohammad Almas Saad is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Almas has over four years of experience writing about the sport he loves. He began right after college and has composed more than 500 stories.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja