The final chapter of the 2023 WNBA season unfolded on Wednesday night, with the Aces going head-to-head with the formidable New York Liberty. The Las Vegas Aces made history by becoming the first team in 21 years to clinch back-to-back WNBA championships. A’ja Wilson emerged as the hero of the night, pouring down 24 points and snagging 16 rebounds.  With this victory, the Aces joined an elite club of champions including the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-02) and the Houston Comets (1997-2000) as the only teams in the league’s rich history to clinch consecutive titles.

And on this historic night, A’ja Wilson remembered her ‘second mother’ Dawn Staley. A’ja Wilson took a hilarious and slightly tipsy trip down memory lane to provide a glimpse into the special bond she shares with Staley.

A’ja Wilson goes candid on Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley’s unwavering support for her star forward has been a constant. Staley’s connection with A’ja Wilson runs deeper than their shared first NCAA title. Apart from being her coach, Staley is also Wilson’s second mother as she herself put it, ” Coach Staley is my second mom and I’d do anything for her.”

Not only did she coach Wilson during their shared time at the University of South Carolina, but she also guided her on the international stage as part of Team USA. Before the Aces kicked off Game 3 against the Liberty, A’ja Wilson received an unforgettable surprise from her former coach. Needless to say, Staley’s unexpected appearance left Wilson beaming with joy.

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Staley even didn’t hesitate to call out Wilson’s WNBA MVP snub, writing on X, “To the fourth place voter, your hate is real and on display.” 

However, the connection between the coach and the player isn’t just a one-way street. A’ja Wilson, who clinched the third spot in the 2023 WNBA MVP voting, has consistently acknowledged Staley’s pivotal role in her development. As Wilson put it, “I’m always proud to say, I’m a product of Dawn Staley, and that’s the stamp.”  

The celebrations were in full swing as the team clinched consecutive WNBA titles, and Wilson, perhaps fueled by a bit of champagne, didn’t forget to acknowledge the pivotal role Coach Stanley played in her journey to success.

Wilson said, “….was something special. She’s watched me obviously win on every level at this point. And uh..she texts me and was like haha..Period. Win on every level. Period. But literally every level for the Olympics. I forgot she was the coach. Damn. “

“I was like damn. She was the coach!” Wilson said looking at Alysha Clark.

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Wilson, however, had a special cause to celebrate as the night came to an end.

A’ja Wilson gets crowned Finals MVP!

A’ja Wilson has once again etched her name in the annals of WNBA history. The superstar clinched her second consecutive WNBA championship on Wednesday, leading the Aces to a nail-biting 70-69 victory over the New York Liberty and securing the series 3-1. If that wasn’t enough, Wilson’s efforts throughout the series earned her the coveted Finals MVP trophy.

Throughout the postseason, A’ja Wilson has averaged 23.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 assists over nine intense games. What makes this victory even sweeter is the fact that A’ja Wilson had to settle for third place in the voting for this season’s WNBA MVP, a title claimed by the Liberty’s own Breanna Stewart. However, that didn’t deter Wilson from securing the ultimate prize – the WNBA championship and the Finals MVP honor.

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So, as we celebrate A’ja Wilson’s incredible journey to her second consecutive championship and her well-deserved Finals MVP, let’s raise our glasses to this sensational athlete who is making her mark in the WNBA history books. Here’s to A’ja Wilson!