Who will win the WNBA MVP race: A’ja Wilson or Breanna Stewart?

Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) made impressive shots over New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the latter part of a WNBA basketball game at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay on Thursday, June 29, 2023. By Danny Webster (contact) Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 | 2 a.m.
It looks like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart will continue to dominate the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player discussion for the near future. The individual rivalry between the two and the rivalry between Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces and Stewart’s New York Liberty are expected to shape the league in the coming years. Wilson secured her second MVP last year, edging out Stewart by 32 voting points. She became just the eighth player ever to win multiple MVPs. This year may be an even tighter race, with the Aces finishing the season at the top of the league with a 34-6 record, and the Liberty following closely in second place at 32-8. The odds are high for a Wilson-Stewart match-up in the WNBA Finals in October.
“I’ve enjoyed how much this matchup has grown our game,” Wilson shared in an interview on August 17. “This is really all eyes on us over the offseason. This is a nice thing to watch because you see it on the men’s side all the time, the rivalries and how people get involved. I think we’re giving the people what they want, but at the same time, we’re doing what we love.”
Both players have strong cases for winning another MVP. Wilson could become the fourth player ever to win it three times, while a new MVP trophy for Stewart would be her first since 2018.
Let’s take a look at the two candidates and how they performed in the 2023 season. A’ja Wilson racked up impressive numbers, with an average of 22.8 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 1.4 steals, and a shooting percentage of 55.7. Her performance this year saw career-highs in points, rebounds, and blocks per game, proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with on the court. Wilson operated at peak efficiency despite the league schedule increasing to 40 games from 36, showcasing her dominance and versatility in the game.
Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart also had an outstanding season, with an average of 23.0 points per game, 9.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.5 steals, and a shooting percentage of 46.5. Stewart’s ability to take over a game from anywhere on the court, coupled with her legendary performances, cemented her position as a leading MVP candidate.
The head-to-head match-ups between the Aces and Liberty have been intense, with both Wilson and Stewart showcasing their skills. In terms of performance, Wilson has displayed strong offensive and defensive skills, while Stewart’s impact has been exceptional on the court. It’s clear that both players have been pivotal in their teams’ successes.
Determining the MVP frontrunner would’ve been easier had one player outperformed the other head-to-head. They’ve both proven valuable defensively, with neck-and-neck advanced metrics in terms of offensive and defensive ratings, and win shares. While Wilson has the accolades to prove her significance, Stewart has embraced a more critical defensive responsibility since joining the Liberty.
At the end of the day, both players have delivered exceptional performances, and have played a crucial role in elevating the game. No matter who takes home the MVP title, the WNBA is blessed to have such talented and influential players in the league.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.