WNBA legend and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley has never been one to hold back when it comes to praising greatness — and when it comes to A’ja Wilson, she’s running out of words to describe her former star.
On Wednesday night, A’ja Wilson reminded the world exactly why she’s one of the most unstoppable forces the sport has ever seen. With the game on the line, the Las Vegas Aces’ four-time MVP buried a stunning jumper with just 0.9 seconds remaining, sealing a dramatic 90–88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at PHX Arena.
The win pushed the Aces to within one game of clinching their third championship in four years, and with Wilson playing at this level, it feels almost inevitable.
Wilson’s stat line was every bit as jaw-dropping as the shot itself — 34 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and three steals — a performance that once again showcased her unmatched blend of power, poise, and precision.
At this point, even Staley — who coached Wilson to an NCAA title at South Carolina — admitted that words aren’t enough to capture her greatness. The Hall of Famer reacted to Wilson’s heroics with something beyond language: an animal sound of admiration. As Staley quipped on social media, “What does the four-time MVP say?”
Wilson’s dominance also silenced recent debates about whether Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier had overtaken her as the league’s best player. If Wednesday’s game proved anything, it’s that Wilson remains firmly atop the throne.
After the victory, Wilson shared the simple yet powerful message she received from head coach Becky Hammon before the final possession.
“Just go get it done,” Wilson recalled. “That was it. (Hammon) just drew up a play and said, ‘Just do it.’ She didn’t say much because I already understood the assignment.”
That understanding led to one of the most iconic moments of the Finals so far — and solidified Wilson’s reputation as the ultimate closer. Through three games, she’s averaging a staggering 27.7 points on 52.5% shooting, along with 12.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Though the Aces nearly squandered a 17-point lead on Wednesday, Wilson once again put the team on her back when it mattered most. Or as Dawn Staley perfectly summed it up:
“Wilson went GOAT on the Mercury.”
With that kind of praise — and another championship in sight — A’ja Wilson isn’t just winning games. She’s building a legacy that will echo through WNBA history.
