LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Las Vegas Aces, powered by 31 points from A’ja Wilson, captured their third title in four seasons on Friday, beating Phoenix 97-86 to complete a sweep of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals.
Wilson went 7-of-21 from the floor but 17-of-19 from the free throw line and added nine rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots and two steals as the visiting Aces took the best-of-seven championship series, 4-0.
“We understood the assignment and what was in front of us,” Wilson said.
“All we had to do was believe in one another and you see that. We’re grateful. We’re blessed. I wouldn’t do it with any other group.”
Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each added 18 points, Young also contributing eight assists and seven rebounds, and Jewell Loyd had 12 points on 4-of-8 three-point shooting for the Aces.
The only other team to win so many crowns in such a short span was the Houston Comets, who took the first four WNBA titles from 1997-2000.
“We shed tears over this team because we care so much,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.
“They kept at it, kept on it... they were just going to give until the wheels came off.”
Wilson, a 29-year-old American center, captured her third career title, all with Las Vegas, and became the first player in WNBA or National Basketball Association history to win a scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year award, season Most Valuable Player award and finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy in the same season.
“For us to be able to celebrate this is truly special,” Wilson said.
“I wish I could take this credit but it’s God working.”
Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP, three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Olympic champion with the United States.
“We’ve got the best player in the world in A’ja Wilson,” Gray said after her fourth career WNBA title.
“This team has been through hell and back. What a run. Everyone stepped up.”
Loyd, an American guard, also captured her third WNBA title, having won two with Seattle before joining the Aces this season.
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 30 points while Alyssa Thomas had a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Wilson, who scored the winning basket with 0.3 of a second remaining for a 90-88 Aces triumph in game three, dominated early in game four.