A’ja Wilson is not new to setting records and making memorable plays in the WNBA, and Becky Hammon trusts her star forward to take matters into her hands during clutch time. In Game 3, the four-time MVP once again proved her coach right and won the game with a mid-range shot.
Earlier, Wilson set a scoring record in Game 2 of the series and also had a remarkable opening game with a mammoth double-double performance. But her most incredible shot of the series would be the game-winner in Game 3. Dawn Satley, understanding the importance of the win and shot, hailed her former player.
Dawn Staley Praises A’ja Wilson’s Game-Winner
With five seconds to go in Game 3, the former South Carolina star was able to score a game-winner over a top defender, DeWanna Bonner, and 2025 WNBA All-Defensive First team member, Alyssa Thomas. She collected the inbound pass and dribbled around two defenders to finally hit a step-back mid-range shot with 0.1 seconds left in the game.
Her game-winner impressed Dawn Staley, her former coach, as the Aces put themselves in a commanding position to lift the title after missing out in 2024. The Gamecocks’ HC shared a post and let her words speak her feelings, and she even put four ‘goat’ emojis in the end.
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) October 9, 2025
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA@_ajawilson22 🐐 🐐 🐐 🐐
The shot was crucial, considering that the Mercury had momentum in the fourth quarter and could even snap up the overtime minutes. Now the 3-0 lead looks harder to overcome than allowing Nate Tibbetts’ team a glimpse of victory in the series.
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The superstar finished the game with 34 points and 14 rebounds, her third double-double in the series. Ahead of the game, HC Becky Hammon warned the Las Vegas Aces against complacency after securing a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury, and the team responded well in Game 3. Following a close win, the Aces are one win away from their third championship in four seasons, with the 29-year-old might well be closing on her second Finals MVP award.
Dawn Staley Calls A’ja Wilson Greatest Of All Time
Following the Aces’ forward’s MVP accolade win, the Gamecocks’ HC answered a question about whether the star is one of the greats in the league. Without any hesitation, Staley pointed out the difference between other players and the seven-time All-Star and called her the Greatest of All Time.
“Ever? Well, she’s got one more than everybody else, right? Umm, ever? She got an MVP for half of the seasons that she’s been in the league. I don’t think that’s ever been done… she’s the best in the world, for sure. She’s the very best in the world,” Staley said in the interview.
As always, Staley supported her former player, showing trust in her capabilities and dominance on the floor. And now, following her second finals MVP accolade, the forward may extend her dominance in the league.