A’ja Wilson tunes out noise, delivers to send Aces to semis

A’ja Wilson tunes out noise, delivers to send Aces to semis There aren’t many feelings in the world that match an A’ja Wilson close‑out performance. That is why the Las Vegas Aces superstar is a four‑time MVP and why nothing—not even a bit of hostile noise—can sway her. Wilson did what she does best, putting the team on her back with 36 points and 10 rebounds to push the Aces into the WNBA semifinals. The 94‑83 victory over the Indiana Fever in Game 3 means the defending champions will continue their pursuit of a fourth title in five seasons. It was another typical night at the office for Wilson, who went 11‑of‑18 from the field and 12‑of‑15 from the free‑throw line. The effort served as a reminder that she remains the best player on the planet—no surprise there. Wilson also demonstrated that it doesn’t matter what kind of noise comes her way—good, bad, or a mix. She knows how to tune it out when the job is at hand. Following a fan incident in Game 2, Wilson avoided a fine or, at worst, a suspension. After confronting a fan who stood and pointed at her following a foul on Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham, she told the individual, “You don’t point at me,” repeatedly. Because she never stepped out of the designated area, no disciplinary action was taken. “Honestly, I have my days. I have my moments because I’m human,” Wilson said Thursday. “But after a while, I understood that I didn’t want that to be a distraction to myself and my team. I knew what I had to do to commit to tonight.” “I prayed a lot. I cried a lot. I talked to a bunch of different people. The amount of emotion I received today reminded me that I’m covered. I can’t truly worry about anything else. I’m truly grateful to be surrounded by people who constantly help me up.” Seeing Wilson display any sort of frustration in a post‑game press conference is as rare as spotting Big Foot. She is usually even‑keeled and rarely lets such events affect her. “I try to play my game… But if I’m just walking, just got the foul, I’m chilling and I see a man walking toward me, pointing at me. I don’t give a damn what you said,” Wilson said after Game 2. In a moment when the WNBA sits at the peak of its popularity and conversation, Wilson remains its face. She said what she needed to say and knew she had to improve after dropping Game 2. It’s striking to consider that any other player posting 22 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort while suggesting they need to be “better” would highlight the standard Wilson has set in these games. “Once I put that on the back burner, I had to step up and show up for my team today,” Wilson said. “And I’m glad we got the win.” Wilson responded, as she tends to do, in historic fashion. Her 28th playoff double‑double moved her into second place on the league’s all‑time list, behind only Alyssa Thomas (31). It was her second double‑double of the series, following a 38‑point, 16‑rebound outing in Game 1. The Aces’ Big Three—Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young—combined for 77 points. Young and Gray each logged 40 minutes, while Wilson, despite playing with five fouls, contributed 37 minutes. “I need them to be the Big Three I’ve always known them to be,” head coach Becky Hammon said. “And they deliver in big moments.” Regardless of the noise, the Aces have heard it all. Wilson, at the forefront, has heard it all. It comes with the territory for a franchise that has reached the semifinals for eight straight seasons. That’s what happens when you’re part of a dynasty. “I know everyone’s going to try to be their best against me. If not, they’re going to be their best against me because of my résumé or the team I’m on,” Wilson said. “Every time I step onto the court, I don’t take anything for granted because I know how much I can give to this game and how much the game has given me.”