10 Moments That Prove A’ja Wilson Is a Game-Changer
A’ja Wilson’s impact on the game isn’t theoretical — it’s visible, record-breaking, and deeply felt every time she steps on the court.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
From scoring explosions to defensive clinics, A’ja Wilson has proven she’s not just great; she’s transformative. Each game listed above shows how she doesn’t just play basketball; she elevates it, reshaping what dominance looks like in the modern WNBA. Whether it’s her MVP-level scoring, Olympic poise, or unmatched defensive awareness, Wilson’s game speaks volumes — and the league is still catching up.
1. 2020 WNBA Semifinals vs. Connecticut Sun – Game 2
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A’ja Wilson’s fearless rim protection was on full display, and it hasn’t let up. Pictured here in 2025 rejecting Kiki Iriafen’s drive, Wilson shows the same defensive grit that helped define her dominance back in the 2020 Semis. Game 2 was where she dug deep, dropping 29 points and sealing her MVP-worthy postseason presence.
2. 2020 WNBA MVP Season Finale vs. Seattle Storm
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In the regular season finale, Wilson sealed her MVP campaign with a dominant 23-point, 7-rebound performance against Seattle. She made statement plays on both ends, blocking shots and diving for loose balls. The same grit that earned her MVP then is still on display now, seen here as she commands the floor against Washington’s Aaliyah Edwards in 2025.
3. 2021 Tokyo Olympics – Quarterfinals vs. Spain
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Wearing red, white, and blue, Wilson put up 22 points and five rebounds in a high-stakes matchup against Spain. Her versatility stood out — working the midrange, driving hard, defending smart. It wasn’t just another win for Team USA; it was A’ja making the global stage her own.
4. 2022 WNBA Finals – Game 2 vs. Connecticut Sun
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Wilson erupted for 26 points and 10 rebounds, leading her team to a commanding 2-0 series lead. She moved like she had a mission — powering through the paint, anchoring the defense, and never letting up. It was the kind of performance that stamped her legacy on the biggest stage.
5. 2022 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final vs. Chicago Sky
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Wilson went off for 17 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks — yes, six blocks. She owned both ends of the court and refused to let Chicago find rhythm inside. That stat line wasn’t just elite; it was generational, just like her Finals presence later that year, seen here battling with Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas in Game 3.
6. 2023 Regular Season vs. Washington Mystics (August 22)
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In a jaw-dropping performance, Wilson tied the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points. She was unstoppable — post-ups, face-ups, step-backs, you name it. Just a week earlier, seen here battling New York’s Sabrina Ionescu for a rebound, Wilson was already in full takeover mode, building toward a historic night no one saw coming.
7. 2023 WNBA Playoffs – Game 1 vs. Chicago Sky
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Wilson wasted no time, posting a monster 34 points and eight rebounds in a postseason opener. She didn’t just score — she set the tone with intensity, discipline, and leadership. That same fierce focus was present all season long, as seen here battling former teammate Dearica Hamby in Los Angeles just months before her playoff takeover.
8. 2023 WNBA Finals – Game 4 vs. New York Liberty
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With the title on the line, Wilson delivered a double-double — 24 points and 16 rebounds — to close out the series. She played every possession like it was personal, sealing her second straight championship. Her dominance was a blend of skill and heart.
9. 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Statement Game vs. Atlanta Dream (July 7)
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Wilson showed why she’s a defensive force, tallying five blocks and 12 rebounds while anchoring the paint like a fortress. Atlanta kept testing the rim — and kept getting turned away. That same elite timing is on full display here, as she swats a shot from Dallas center Teaira McCowan during the playoffs, proving once again why she’s the anchor of the Aces’ defense.
10. 2024 Season Opener vs. Phoenix Mercury
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Wilson started the year by setting the tone early, finishing with 30 points and 12 rebounds while making life miserable for the Mercury frontcourt. She looked sharper, stronger, and even more in control. That first game wasn’t just a win — it was a warning.