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A'ja Wilson’s Triple Crown Leads Aces to Sweep Over Mercury
When A'ja Wilson, the 29‑year‑old center of the Las Vegas Aces, dropped 31 points in the final game, she didn’t just clinch a championship—she sealed a historic triple crown that reshapes the WNBA narrative.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Aces wrapped up a 4‑0 sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA FinalsLas Vegas. The win handed the franchise its third title in just four seasons and capped a season where Wilson captured the regular‑season MVP, the Finals MVP, and the Defensive Player of the Year – the first time any player has collected all three in a single year.
How did it happen? Wilson led the league all season with 26.7 points per game and a league‑best 2.8 blocks per game, then turned that dominance into a 31‑point, 9‑rebound, 4‑assist performance that sealed the series. The Aces’ relentless defense forced 21 turnovers, and a timely three‑pointer from rookie guard Kelsey Plum in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach.
How Wilson’s Historic Triple Crown Came Together
Wilson’s path to the triple crown began three years ago when she first won the MVP‑DPOY double in the 2023 season. That feat put her in elite company with Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002), Lisa Leslie (2004, 2006), Lauren Jackson (2007, 2010) and Tamika Catchings (2009). Yet Wilson is the only player to repeat the double, a fact highlighted by a Sports Illustrated analyst who noted, “She’s the only one to pull it off twice, and the only one in the last 18 years.”
Her 2025 regular‑season campaign was a masterclass in consistency. She logged 1,314 points, 423 rebounds and 81 blocks, leading the Aces to a 27‑7 record and home‑court advantage throughout the playoffs. When the league announced the awards on Sep. 15, 2025, Wilson’s name appeared on all three trophies – a moment that the WNBA described as “unprecedented in the 29‑year history of the league.”
Coach Becky Hammon praised the achievement, saying, “A'ja’s work ethic is off the charts. She makes every teammate better, and that’s why she can dominate on both ends of the floor.”
Game 4 Recap: Aces Sweep the Mercury
The final showdown took place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Aces’ home base. The Mercury entered the game needing a miracle; they were down 15 points at halftime. Wilson answered the early deficit with a 12‑point burst, forcing Phoenix into a series of missed shots.
- 31 points – Wilson (career‑high in a Finals game)
- 9 rebounds – Wilson
- 4 assists – Wilson
- 21 turnovers forced by Aces defense
“We knew we had to finish the job,” Mercury guard Bria Hartley
When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 87‑71. The Aces celebrated on the court while confetti fell, marking their third championship in four years – a run that cements them as a modern dynasty.
Reactions from Players, Coaches, and Analysts
Across the league, the response was electric. Veteran star Candace Parker
The WNBA’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, issued a statement: “A'ja Wilson’s triple crown sets a new benchmark for excellence and showcases the growth of women’s basketball worldwide.” Sports analysts also drew parallels to the men’s game, noting that the only NBA player to capture a similar trio (MVP, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year) in the same season was Michael Jordan in 1996. “That comparison puts Wilson in a conversation that transcends gender,” wrote a columnist for ESPN. From a franchise perspective, the Aces now boast three titles (2022, 2023, 2025) and a roster that blends experience with emerging talent. Owner Mark Davis
The Mercury, meanwhile, face a pivotal offseason. Their general manager, James Bowlen, hinted at a roster overhaul, stating, “We’ll evaluate our core and look for ways to match the Aces’ physicality.” For the league, Wilson’s triple crown fuels a narrative of rising talent depth. Attendance figures for 2025 were up 12% from 2024, and TV ratings for the Finals peaked at a 1.4 Nielsen rating, the highest since 2019. Analysts predict that Wilson’s marketability will attract new sponsorships, especially as brands seek authentic female athletes to champion. As the WNBA eyes its 30th season starting in May 2026, the big question is whether Wilson can sustain her dominance. She’s scheduled to appear in the league’s first-ever “International Showcase” in Shanghai this summer, a move that could broaden her global fanbase. “I’m just focused on staying healthy and keeping the team winning,” Wilson said in a brief interview after the trophy presentation. “The triple crown is a milestone, but the goal is always the next title.” Experts agree that the next few years will determine if her legacy eclipses that of legends like Lisa Leslie and Diana Taurasi. One senior writer at The Athletic noted, “If Wilson can lead the Aces to another championship and maintain her statistical edge, she’ll be the GOAT in the eyes of most fans.” The triple crown cements Wilson’s status as the most complete player in WNBA history, combining scoring, defense, and clutch performance. While debates will always involve personal bias, her unprecedented 2025 season gives her a stronger statistical case than any modern rival, edging her ahead of legends like Lisa Leslie and Diana Taurasi. The sweep forces the Mercury to reassess their roster and defensive schemes. General manager James Bowlen hinted at possible trades and a focus on bolstering interior defense to compete with the Aces’ physicality. Expect a busy off‑season with potential free‑agent signings. The talent pool in 2025 was deeper than ever, with five teams posting sub‑30‑point averages and a league‑wide increase in defensive efficiency. Yet Wilson’s dual leadership as the top scorer (26.7 pts/game) and top shot‑blocker (2.8 bpg) set her apart, a contrast to the more balanced but less dominant performances of prior seasons. The 2026 season kicks off in May, with the Aces entering as clear favorites. Analysts project them to finish atop the Western Conference, provided Wilson stays healthy. Their depth, combined with Hammon’s coaching, makes them the team to beat. Before Wilson, only five players had achieved the MVP‑DPOY double: Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Lauren Jackson, Tamika Catchings, and Wilson herself in 2023. Wilson is the first to repeat the feat, making her the only player to own two MVP‑DPOY seasons in WNBA history.What This Means for the Aces Dynasty and the League
Looking Ahead: 2026 Season and Wilson’s Legacy
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wilson’s triple crown affect her chances of being named the GOAT?
What does this sweep mean for the Phoenix Mercury’s future?
How did the 2025 season compare to previous years in terms of competition?
When does the next WNBA season start, and what are the expectations for the Aces?
What historic precedents existed for a player winning both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year?