Breanna Stewart edges Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson for WNBA MVP award in tight race

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart has secured the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player award for the second time in her career, winning by a close margin over Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson. The Liberty star expressed gratitude for the honor amidst a tight race, describing her season as “unbelievable” and acknowledging the amazing performances from Thomas and Wilson.

Stewart, who had previously won the award in 2018, received 446 points with 20 first-place votes, 23 second-place votes, and 17 third-place votes. Thomas trailed closely with 439 points, followed by Wilson with 433 points. The narrow gap between the top three finishers sets a new record for the closest margin in WNBA history.

These accolades come after significant personal and professional changes for Stewart. From overcoming an Achilles tendon injury and getting married, to relocating to New York as a free agent, her journey has been a “roller-coaster” of growth and resilience. Her family and teammates were present as she humbly accepted the award ahead of the Liberty’s playoff game against Connecticut.

Stewart also emphasized the competitive camaraderie between her and the other top candidates, showcasing the excellence and diversity that define the league and its players’ contributions. Her move to New York has elevated her performance, positioning her as the league’s second-leading scorer with an impressive career-best average of 23 points per game.

As Stewart and her fellow finalists reflect on the intense MVP race, Wilson expressed her disappointment at not winning but remained focused on the upcoming games. Meanwhile, Thomas achieved history by racking up over 600 points, 400 rebounds, and 300 assists in a single season — a remarkable feat for the forward.

Ultimately, Stewart’s unwavering determination and impressive achievements have not only earned her a second MVP title but also brought her team back to the playoffs with a standout performance.

Source: AP WNBA