A'ja Wilson's historic performance strengthens path to third MVP

Wilson shot 13-of-23 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, adding five blocks and three steals to her incredible stat line. However, standout performances are becoming old hat for the two-time MVP.

Following her outing on Friday, Wilson has recorded double-doubles in four straight games and averaged 27.6 points, 13.8 rebounds and four blocks over her last five contests.

Wilson leads the WNBA in scoring (26.9) and blocks (2.7) while ranking second in rebounds (11.3). Past the regular season's midway point, the 27-year-old has put herself in a prime position to earn league MVP honors again.

According to FanDuel, Wilson is the overwhelming favorite to win MVP (-2200). If that ultimately comes to fruition, she'd be only the fourth player in WNBA history to win the award three times, joining Sheryl Swoopes (2005, 2002, 2000), Lisa Leslie (2006, 2004, 2001) and Lauren Jackson (2010, 2007, 2003).

However, being the league's best player isn't Wilson's ultimate goal. Back in June, she tearfully explained why.

"I get y'all saying 'best player in the world,' that's great, it looks great," Wilson said via Paloma Villicana of Fox 5. "I want to be the best person, I want to be the best teammate because that's how I get the best out of my team."

Right now, behind Wilson's attitude and strong play, the Aces are the hottest team in the WNBA, having won nine of their last 10 games. With Friday's victory, they improved to 15-7, trailing the first-place New York Liberty (19-4) by just 3.5 games.