In a breathtaking display of athleticism and sheer willpower, A’ja Wilson’s clutch shot in the dying seconds of Game 3 didn’t just secure a 3-0 WNBA Finals lead for the Las Vegas Aces—it cemented her legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it sheer brilliance or a tactical oversight by the Phoenix Mercury that allowed Wilson to become the hero once again? Let’s dive in.
Earlier in the season, when the Aces were struggling and their record dipped below .500, team president Nikki Fargas remained steadfast in her belief that greatness was within reach. Her confidence hinged on one undeniable truth: With A’ja Wilson on the roster, anything is possible. That faith was vindicated on Wednesday night in Phoenix, where Wilson’s 34-point, 14-rebound masterpiece propelled the Aces to a 90-88 victory, pushing them to the brink of a championship.
The game wasn’t without its drama. The Mercury, led by Kahleah Copper’s explosive scoring and DeWanna Bonner’s veteran poise, erased a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter. For a moment, it seemed like history might repeat itself, echoing the Aces’ earlier playoff collapses against Seattle and Indiana. But this time, Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon made a bold decision: With five seconds left, she called a timeout and entrusted the final shot to her MVP. Wilson’s left-side turnaround jumper over Alyssa Thomas’ outstretched arms wasn’t just a game-winner—it was a statement.
And this is the part most people miss: Wilson’s heroics weren’t an isolated incident. She’s been the Aces’ anchor all season, setting franchise and WNBA records along the way. Her 34 points broke an Aces Finals record, and her ninth consecutive playoff game with 25+ points and 10+ rebounds is a feat no other player has achieved. Yet, the Mercury’s strategy to contain her—switching defenders and denying her the ball—nearly worked. Was it a tactical masterclass or a risky gamble that backfired?
Wilson herself acknowledged the weight of the moment: ‘I just had to get that one back, because that would have crushed my whole soul,’ she said. But her teammates and coaches never doubted her. ‘Give the ball to A’ja,’ Hammon instructed, a testament to the trust Wilson has earned.
This isn’t just a story about a game-winning shot; it’s about resilience, leadership, and the intangible qualities that separate stars from legends. Wilson’s performance harkened back to her 2023 Finals heroics against the New York Liberty, but she insists this one was sweeter: ‘This is the one that sealed Game 3 for us.’
But here’s the question for you: Is A’ja Wilson the most dominant player in WNBA history, or is she simply benefiting from a team built to maximize her talents? And as the Aces stand one win away from another title, how much of their success is due to Wilson’s individual brilliance versus the collective effort of the roster? Let us know in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
