A'ja Wilson is no stranger to a WNBA postseason as the three-time champion kicked off her eighth playoff run in a row on Sunday as her Las Vegas Aces hosted the Indiana Fever for Game 1 in the first-round series. The Aces captured Game 1 with a 102–85 victory. Unsurprisingly, the four-time MVP conquered the Fever thanks to an incredible offensive and defensive performance.
Wilson finished with a double-double that included 38 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks and two steals. It's her third double-double in as many games. Her 38 points and 16 rebounds tie her playoff career-highs in those categories.
By scoring at least 35 points and 15 rebounds with a 75% field goal percentage, Wilson became the first player in WNBA history, regular or postseason, to record this stat line, per SportsCenter. In the first half alone, Wilson made WNBA postseason history by becoming the first player to record 20 or more points, three or more blocks and two or more steals in a half. She coincidentally scored 22 points, matching her jersey number.
Sunday's game was Wilson's 11th career postseason game where she scored at least 30 points, which continues to be a league record. The next closest player in the history books is New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart, who's recorded nine 30+ point playoff performances. Wilson remained humble about her historic performance when speaking with ESPN's Holly Rowe after the win.
"It's my job, Holly, it's what I do," Wilson said. "I don't take a minute on this court for granted, so when I come out I try to be the best that I can be and allow my teammates to do themselves as well and allow them to be their best. I'm going to continue to do it at a high level always.
We go as much as we go." Wilson's performance on Sunday just proves why the Aces star should once again be named the league's MVP. She already earned the AP's Player of the Year award on Sunday before the game, so adding a fifth MVP title to her résumé seems inevitable at this rate.
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