Winning when the odds are stacked against you is something A’ja Wilson knows best. Her MVP campaign last year is a perfect example! Historically, the award mostly went to the best player on a top-seeded team, but she ended up changing the meta. And this season? The six-foot-four Aces center single-handedly revived Becky Hammon’s postseason hopes over the last month, dragging her team from a below .500 record to a fabulous ten-game win streak. And she did it through foul trouble, which, although nothing new, isn’t what anyone expects from A’ja Wilson.

After all, the Aces star averages just 2 personal fouls a game in her 8 WNBA seasons so far, which is quite impressive for a big. So whenever she ends up with 4 or 5 fouls in a game, there are definitely questions to be asked. During yesterday’s game against the Washington Mystics, the MVP candidate was neck-deep in foul trouble with 4 PF.

This time, however, Wilson didn’t know what went wrong.“Uh, the refs just saw something that I didn’t.” She said in the post-game presser, shining the spotlight on the referees with a smirk. “I guess I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. But, uh, hopefully, next game that will not happen. It will not happen because I will be better.” While she wasn’t blowing up, the reigning MVP made it clear that she had issues with the officiating in yesterday’s game. And this isn’t the first time that A’ja Wilson has had a run-in with the refs. The Las Vegas Aces star holds everyone accountable, from her teammates to the officials to herself, and that’s what makes her great at the end of the day.

The first quarter was definitely one to forget for the Las Vegas Aces. Hammon’s team started the game off with a 7-point deficit against the Mystics, but their second quarter? That’s when they really kicked things into gear. “Honestly, our battery was our defense in the second quarter, and I think it just kind of carried over into the third and the fourth.” A’ja Wilson said. But something that really stood out was how Wilson recovered from a relatively slow start to the game. She focused on making the right plays, taking quality shots, and trusting her teammates. And as soon as Wilson found her rhythm, she exploded! When asked about her initial struggles, the Las Vegas star was pretty candid about her thought process. “It’s going to be different every game,” she said, “I just got to find a way for my teammates and for us to be great and to come out with the win.”

Every win is incredibly important for both Las Vegas and A’ja Wilson right now. The playoffs are creeping closer, and the MVP race is drawing to a close. But there’s one thing for certain–the Aces star proved that even the game officials cannot stop the recent Las Vegas revival when the MVP candidate is leading the charge! After this incredible performance from Wilson, Becky Hammon had an important reminder for fans and analysts alike.

Las Vegas HC has a stern reminder for the league amidst A’ja Wilson’s MVP push

The month of August has been amazing for the Las Vegas Aces. A ten-game win streak rescued their postseason hopes while also reviving A’ja Wilson’s MVP chances for the year. The six-foot-four forward is eyeing her fourth award this season, and honestly? There’s no reason why she shouldn’t win. From a statistical point of view, the LV Aces star is simply unrivaled.

After yesterday’s game against the Mystics, Wilson is currently averaging 23.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6  steals, and 2.2 blocks per game this season. But even with all of this, there aren’t any guarantees that she’ll win the award. Why? Because voter fatigue is a thing. However, Aces HC Becky Hammon presented her argument for a fourth A’ja Wilson MVP year, and it was quite convincing!

“Who’s as good as A’ja Wilson?” She asked after winning yesterday’s matchup. “That’s where you start with the conversation. That’s your answer. She’s top three in every major statistical category but most importantly efficiency. She’s No. 1 in efficiency. And to me, people need to do that kind of homework.” Currently, the Aces forward is going 49.3% from the field, a touch under her career average of 49.6%.

A’ja Wilson has always been efficient and great. You don’t win three MVPs and two championships without being an absolute monster on the court, and Becky Hammon reminded everyone of that fact. “Don’t get tired of her greatness,” the Aces’ head coach said. “I don’t want the world to miss her.” As the season draws to a close, it will be interesting to see who ends up taking home the MVP award. A’ja Wilson has some pretty tough competition in Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier if the latter manages to return in time. The games are getting tougher, there’s a lot more on the line, and the hoops are only getting better. We’re in for a treat, everyone!