LAS VEGAS — A’ja Wilson received more hardware before Game 1 of the Las Vegas Aces‘ semifinal series with the Dallas Wings on Sunday, then she went out and showed why she might not be done getting awards this WNBA season.
Wilson had 34 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in the Aces’ 97-83 victory. She was 15-of-21 from the field (71.4%), tying a WNBA record for field goals in a playoff game.
After accepting her Defensive Player of the Year trophy prior to tipoff at Michelob Ultra Arena, Wilson held the Wings to just 17% on shots she contested. She seemed to be everywhere on the court — and even off the court, as she ran into the stands while going for the ball late in the game.
The outcome was already decided by then, but Wilson was still going full bore.
“She loves the moment. That’s just something she’s born with,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “You can’t teach people to love the moment. She’s especially been on a roll the last month and a half; her stats are ridiculous.”
All the WNBA season awards are voted on before the…
