Likely knowing the Las Vegas Aces would be locked into a tight battle with the Chicago Sky on Sunday afternoon, there’s no doubt that WNBA MVP favorite A’ja Wilson came to play.
With imposing rookies Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese serving as Chicago’s front line, Wilson powered through time and again, dropping 20 points, 18 rebounds, and the game-winning shot at the buzzer in a thrilling 77-75 Las Vegas victory.
At halftime, though, Wilson made it particularly clear she wasn’t messing around.
From her teammates to Sky players and the refs and coaches, Wilson seemingly called out everyone in a tense but measured exchange. Wilson even noted that she didn’t appreciate being stared down, which might have been a reference to Cardoso’s approach (five blocks) in the paint:
"Everyone has to do their job. It's from the players, to the refs, to the coaches."
– A'ja Wilson pic.twitter.com/7hIRsiAzNu
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 25, 2024
Whew, boy.
Look, not everyone can talk so pointedly like that in public. You have to earn the right to critique folks, call them out, and not have everyone bristle at your thoughts. As the best player in the WNBA, Wilson certainly has, and she and the Aces responded perfectly.