A’ja Wilson took home the 2022 WNBA MVP, becoming the seventh player to win the award twice. Wilson also took home the Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
“It doesn’t even sound real,” Wilson said of winning her second MVP. “It’s something you don’t really even dream of. You look at the list of people who have won more than one, and it’s incredible to think about. I smile just to have my name in [the] MVP conversation because our league is so tough.”
The Aces star got 31 of 56 first-place votes, while Breanna Stewart was second with 23 first-place votes. Wilson will get $15,450 and a trophy from Tiffany & Co.
“My role this year is to really be a vocal leader and also the emotional leader of the team,” Wilson said. “But I’m not bossing people around. It’s got to be about mutual respect. And I’ve formed relationships and bonds with each of my teammates in a way where I know I can hold them accountable, and they can do the same for me.
Wilson’s Year
A’ja Wilson averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game this season. She also had 17 double-doubles this season. In the Playoffs, Wilson took her game to a new level, scoring 20.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. The Aces and Wilson are focused on getting that WNBA championship.
The Aces star has played five seasons in the WNBA and is averaging 19.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. She has also shot 47% from the field. In addition, Wilson made the All-Star game four times.
Only in her fifth year is there still room for Wilson to improve; if she can develop a more constant three-point shot, Wilson would be unstoppable. We could see more MVP awards in Wilson’s future and multiple championships, but she will have to win the years first.
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