A’ja Wilson’s generationally-great ability to separate herself into a tier even beyond excellence wasn’t likely to be questioned, especially on September 22, 2024, a day in which she became the WNBA’s first unanimously-voted Most Valuable Player in 28 seasons. In search of similar brilliance with the upset-minded Seattle Storm slightly outpacing her Aces, Wilson — reading Nneka Ogwumike’s screen defense expertly — broke free for a 3-pointer that spoke a message of its own: that quest for separation truly never stops. Wilson, noticeably tapped into a different level following halftime's intermission, used the smooth spot-up triple to tally the 11th points of her 15-point, third quarter demonstration. Following her guidance, Las Vegas raised the temperature on both sides, holding Seattle to a two-point (on 0-of-12 shooting) outlook in the fourth quarter. Subject to praise after an extraordinary regular-season that saw her become the WNBA’s first to lead the league in points, rebounds, and blocks, Wilson again supplied the standard in the series-opening win. Chapter One of the Aces’ title defense and three-peat quest saw the future Hall of Famer accumulate 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, five blocks, and a 3-pointer. · Sep 23, 2024