15 Photos That Show A’ja Wilson’s Dominance in the Paint

These 15 photos capture how A’ja Wilson controls the paint with power, precision, and unmatched presence on both ends of the floor.

Sophia Zapanta
June 30, 2025
5 min read

15 Photos That Show A’ja Wilson’s Dominance in the Paint — Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; USA Women's National Team forward A’ja Wilson (9)

A’ja Wilson dominates the paint through a mix of strength, skill, and timing. Whether she’s scoring through contact, grabbing tough rebounds, or shutting down drives, she controls the space around the rim with purpose. These images show how she makes every possession in the paint count.

1. Posting Up with Strong Positioning

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A’ja plants her feet deep in the lane, calling for the ball with one hand while shielding the defender with her body. Her base is steady, and her stance shows total balance. She’s ready to go to work before the pass even comes. This shot shows how she wins position before the play begins.

2. Powering Through Contact for a Layup

Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

She gathers the ball, rises into the defender’s body, and finishes with strength. Her arms absorb the contact, but her focus stays locked on the rim. There’s no flinch or hesitation — just control. This moment reveals her physical edge.

3. Grabbing an Offensive Rebound Over Two Defenders

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

She elevates above the crowd, snatching the ball with both hands while bodies crash around her. Her timing and read of the ball are perfect. It’s not just height — it’s instinct and hunger. Every rebound feels earned with her effort.

4. Blocking a Shot with Perfect Timing

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

A’ja times her leap and swats the shot clean, her hand meeting the ball just before it leaves the shooter’s hand. Her eyes never leave the play, and she stays grounded until the right moment. There’s no foul, just precision. It’s the kind of defensive stop that flips momentum.

5. Finishing a Drop Step with Ease

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

She spins off the defender with a smooth drop step and lays the ball in off the glass. The move is quick but controlled, using footwork over force. The paint opens up once she makes her move. This is her signature control in motion.

6. Denying a Drive Without Leaving Her Feet

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The guard drives into the lane, but A’ja stays in front, hands up, and forces a tough shot. She doesn’t overcommit or bite on a fake. Her defense is patient and grounded. This kind of discipline shuts down entire plays.

7. Turning and Scoring Over a Double Team

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

With two defenders on her, A’ja pivots, lifts, and releases a clean jumper. There’s pressure from both sides, but she never rushes. Her touch is soft, and the ball drops in. This shows how she handles attention with poise.

8. Running the Floor and Finishing in Transition

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

After a defensive stop, she sprints ahead and receives the pass in stride. She takes one dribble and finishes at the rim before the defense can recover. Her hustle from defense to offense creates points. This is paint presence that starts beyond the arc.

9. Contesting a Shot and Grabbing the Board

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

She closes out quickly, challenges the mid-range jumper, then turns and boxes out. The rebound is hers in one clean motion. This kind of sequence shows complete control of the paint. It’s not one skill — it’s the whole package.

10. Taking a Charge Under the Basket

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

She sets her feet, braces herself, and absorbs the contact as the opponent drives in. The whistle blows, and she gets up calmly and steadily. This moment shows awareness and toughness. She knows how to protect the paint without jumping.

11. Going Up Strong for a Putback

Candice Ward-Imagn Images

After a missed shot, A’ja stays active and grabs the loose ball in motion. She goes straight back up and scores through a defender’s reach. It’s not a reset — it’s a second-chance point made in one smooth effort. This is relentless control near the rim.

12. Finding the Open Teammate from the High Post

Melissa Levin-Imagn Images

A’ja catches the ball near the free-throw line and instantly scans the floor. She sees a cutter breaking free under the basket and delivers a quick, clean pass for the assist. Her decision is sharp, and her pass arrives before the defense can react. This moment shows how her court vision adds another layer to her dominance in the paint.

13. Leading a Defensive Stand in the Paint

Melissa Levin-Imagn Images

She stands in the center, arms out wide, talking to her teammates and pointing out positions. Her voice and presence guide the defense. Even without touching the ball, she’s controlling the play. That’s true leadership from the paint.

14. Securing a Key Rebound Late in the Game

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

With seconds left and a close score, A’ja leaps for a high-pressure rebound. She pulls it in, hugs the ball tight, and stays composed as the crowd roars. It’s not just another board — it’s a game-sealing moment. Her clutch presence stands out when it matters most.

15. Smiling After a Dominant Stretch

Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

As she walks back to the huddle, sweat on her face and a smile breaking through, she knows she’s in control. It’s not arrogance — just confidence earned from effort. Her teammates feed off that energy. Even in stillness, she owns the paint.