Aces Swept Out as Wilson's Historic Season Ends

A tough end to a record year

A'ja Wilson sat at the press table with her sweatshirt hood pulled up after the Las Vegas Aces saw their season come to an end. The defending champions fell 87-77 in overtime against the Golden State Valkyries. The loss completed a sweep in the WNBA semifinals.

Wilson struggled from the field, shooting 6 of 19. She missed three free throws in the fourth quarter and lost the ball with 1:54 remaining in regulation. That turnover led to a game tying basket by Golden State. After Wilson missed a jumper on the next possession, the Valkyries took the lead. Jackie Young hit a shot to force overtime, but Golden State outscored Las Vegas 16-6 in the extra period.

Wilson finished the night with 21 points and 10 rebounds. After the game, she expressed sadness that she could not do more for her team. Chelsea Gray praised Wilson afterward, saying that girl can hoop.

Historic MVP numbers

Just a day before the final loss, Wilson accepted her fifth MVP award. She is now a five time MVP and a three time winner in a row. At practice, her mother Eva Rakes Wilson brought in the newest trophy. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented her with an old fashioned phone loaded with congratulatory messages from family, teammates, and former coaches.

The star center had a historic regular season. She led the WNBA in scoring with 26.2 points per game, topping 1,000 points for the second time in her career. She set career highs with 3.2 assists per game and shot 40.4 percent from three point range.

Wilson also posted a 32.4 efficiency rating and 9.4 win shares to lead the league. Head coach Becky Hammon helped Wilson expand her game beyond the low post when she took over the team, turning her into a perimeter threat as well as a three time Defensive Player of the Year.

What it means for the next game

Golden State Valkyries at Las Vegas Aces (WNBA, Sun, 11 Oct): Las Vegas Aces win 44%, Golden State Valkyries win 56%; projected score Las Vegas Aces 81, Golden State Valkyries 82. Our safest pick: Valkyries +6.5.

Las Vegas Aces at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Wed, 14 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 55%, Las Vegas Aces win 45%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 82, Las Vegas Aces 79. Our safest pick: Aces +9.5.