Watch: Aces' A'ja Wilson sets tone in strong start vs. Liberty

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) grabs a rebound in front of New York Liberty center Nyara Sabally (8) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Watch: Aces center A'ja Wilson sets tone for MVP defense with strong first quarter versus Liberty

By Eric Smithling | Last updated May 17, 2025 2:19 PM ET

The reigning WNBA MVP doesn't appear interested in relinquishing her crown.

On Saturday, Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson picked up where she left off during her 2024 MVP season.

Wilson scored the first bucket of Las Vegas' season opener on the road against the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty.

After setting up for an off-ball screen, Wilson cut to the basket. Guard Chelsea Gray connected with her on a great pass, and Wilson finished the play with a score off the glass.

Chelsea Gray ➡️ A’ja Wilson to get us started in Brooklyn

WNBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax pic.twitter.com/uEnzq6rTsu
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025

With under two minutes remaining in the quarter, Wilson hit a fadeaway jumper close to the basket while falling down to give her back-to-back field goals and cut the Liberty's lead to two, 15-13.

A’ja Wilson heating up early

Back-to-back buckets put her at 10 points in the opening quarter.

WNBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax pic.twitter.com/wpmTqP2MiC
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025

Wilson scored 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and added four rebounds, an assist and steal before taking a rest on the bench with 17.1 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Last season, Wilson unanimously won her third MVP award after posting the best regular season in league history.

Wilson set numerous records, including becoming the first player to score 1,000 points in a season and the single-season rebound record.

She ended the 2024 season averaging 26.9 points on 51.8 percent shooting, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.8 steals per game.

Per ESPN Bet, Wilson entered this season second in MVP odds, trailing Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

Wilson set a high bar for herself last season and has the disadvantage of potentially dealing with voter fatigue.

It might take an even more outstanding season from Wilson for her to be undeniable. She's off to an excellent start.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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