Fansided

A’ja Wilson defensive award sweep strengthens case for WNBA MVP

By Aryanna Prasad

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 28: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Breanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm in the first quarter of Game One of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 28: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against Breanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm in the first quarter of Game One of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Although the 2022 WNBA MVP award winner hasn’t been announced yet, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson’s defensive award sweep only fortifies her case for it.

The 2022 WNBA MVP winner has yet to be announced, but there are some strong indications that A’ja Wilson will emerge the eventual victor.

The Las Vegas Aces proudly announced that A’ja Wilson won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award and made All-Defensive First Team for her stellar 2022 season.

This is the first time in WNBA history in which an Aces player has won the award, adding to an already-historic season for Wilson and the Aces.

When the regular season ended, Wilson finished with the most career double-doubles in Las Vegas Aces history and saw career highs in rebounds, blocks and shooting. Wilson also became the first player in WNBA history to put up 700 points, 300 rebounds and 70 blocks in a season.

As Mark Schindler put it for WNBA.com, A’ja is in the moment. With all the momentum going for her, she makes a strong case for MVP, but there are valid reasons why it could go to Seattle Storm star Brenna Stewart instead.

A’ja Wilson defensive award sweep means she should win WNBA MVP

In a recent interview with FanSided, Wilson shared her perspective on what matters when it comes to the MVP debate.

"“I think we all bring something different to our team and to the table.But at the end of the day, you know, I can only control what I can control, and I’m gonna go out there and be just the best teammate that I can be and provide for my team in whichever way they need night in and night out. No matter what goes on, I’m gonna always be me. I could care less about what people may say or how they try to change me or put me out there. At the end of the day, you get what you get, and I love what I do, and I’m never going to stop. I’m going to continue to grow and build and have fun within myself and also my team.”"

Even though Wilson has been picked as the MVP favorite by many WNBA analysts, the fact that she was named Defensive Player of the Year more realistically signifies that the MVP is going to Breanna Stewart.

It’s rare to see a player sweep every award in a single year, but in all fairness, Wilson is already in rare company — and she’s already got herself over Stewart in a one-on-one.

For now, Wilson is just here to celebrate her unparalleled love of the D, and the league is here to celebrate her right back.

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