A’ja Wilson capped an extraordinary season by leading the Las Vegas Aces to victory in the WNBA Finals against the Phoenix Mercury, completing a four-game sweep. This achievement marks a historic moment in Wilson’s career, during which she also secured the WNBA MVP award, claimed the scoring title, and was named the WNBA Finals MVP. Such an impressive array of accolades has not been seen in the league since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved similar feats in the NBA, and even then, Wilson’s season stands out for its unique combination of accomplishments.
Alongside her offensive prowess, Wilson shared the title of Defensive Player of the Year with Minnesota’s Alanna Smith, making her 2025 résumé truly unprecedented. “I think greatness is …” Wilson began to express after the Aces’ decisive win, but was quickly interrupted by Aces head coach Becky Hammon. The importance of Wilson’s season is undeniable, with her statistics placing her in elite company.
Remarkable Achievements and Statistics
Wilson’s performance during the title-clinching game was nothing short of spectacular, posting 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals. Only five players in WNBA history have achieved such a comprehensive stat line in a single game, and Wilson has accomplished it three times, highlighting her dominance in the league.
With her 31 points in the finals, Wilson also surpassed Candace Parker to become third on the WNBA’s all-time playoff scoring list, amassing a total of 1,171 points. The only players ahead of her are Diana Taurasi with 1,486 points and DeWanna Bonner with 1,291 points. Wilson’s ability to score during crucial playoff moments has solidified her position as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Across her career, Wilson has consistently set and broken records. For the third consecutive year, she set new WNBA records for total points and rebounds when combining both regular-season and playoff statistics. This year, she achieved a remarkable 1,259 points, eclipsing her previous totals of 1,126 in 2023 and 1,149 in 2024. In terms of rebounds, Wilson amassed 527 this season, further illustrating her all-around game.
Setting Milestones Before 30
Wilson’s accomplishments are even more impressive considering she has yet to turn 30, with her birthday coming in August 2024. She currently holds the record for the most total points in WNBA history before reaching this milestone, totaling 6,890. This surpasses the previous record held by Lauren Jackson, who had 6,223 points before her 30th birthday.
In addition to her scoring, Wilson also leads in total rebounds before the age of 30, with 3,039 when including playoff statistics. This achievement positions her ahead of Tina Charles, who recorded 3,025 rebounds by the same age.
As the WNBA Finals concluded, Wilson’s contributions to the Aces were not only pivotal for this championship season but also for her legacy within the game. Her continued success, both on and off the court, reinforces her status as a transformative player in women’s basketball.
With the Aces having won three titles in the last four years, Wilson’s leadership and performance will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of athletes. As she reflects on her achievements, Wilson remains focused on furthering her success in the league. “I still have a little more winning to do before you put me in the conversation with him,” she remarked, referring to the legendary Michael Jordan. Yet, her accomplishments already place her among the best in the sport.
