There are limited adjectives to describe A’ja Wilson’s 2025 season. The star put forward performance after performance to put her team closer to the top spot in the ranking. With that, it was obvious that she was in the MVP discussions, and the Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon was backing Wilson for the accolade.
While Hammon’s support seems natural, even fans at away games are chanting the 29-year-old star’s name for the illustrious accolade. Rhyne Howars, an Atlanta Dream player, was frustrated with her home crowd’s actions and blasted them in a post-game interview.
Rhyne Howard ‘Unhappy’ With Home Crowd’s Support To A’ja Wilson
After an 81-75 win over the Atlanta Dream, the Las Vegas Aces extended its winning run to 12 games in a row. During this stretch, the reigning MVP set multiple records in the league. From Wilson’s rare WNBA feat during the win over the Connecticut Sun to matching Diana Taurasi’s scoring record, her every game stunned fans.
It was obvious that the basketball lovers chanted her name as the MVP of the season. Fans at the Michelob ULTRA arena already lauded their impactful superstar, but even at the Wintrust Arena (Chicago Sky’s home court) and recently at the Gateway Center (Atlanta Dream’s home court), fans are showing their support for the 29-year-old.
Atlanta’s forward Rhyne Howard was not happy with her home crowd’s actions and voiced her concerns in the press conference.
“This is a challenge. We rely on our fans, and when they pick and choose who they want to cheer for and make it feel like an away game for us and a home game for the other team, it’s easy to go on a run like that, especially with playoffs coming up,” Rhyne Howard said in a press conference.
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Rhyne Howard said it's hard to compete when the home fans aren't on your side.
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Support from the fans encouraged in-form A’ja Wilson, who finished the game with 34 points and nine rebounds. Howard on the other had had 19 points and four rebounds in the game.
This was the Aces’ third win over the Atlanta franchise and first on the Gateway Center in the 2025 season. The former USC star’s another outstanding performance put her close to the MVP title.
A’ja Wilson Moves Closer To Top In MVP Power Rankings
As the season is nearing its conclusion, the discussions for the individual accolades are also heating up. Napheesa Collier led the MVP race from the start of the season and is still the favorite to win her first MVP award.
But late surge and unreal stat lines by the defending MVP make the race closer than ever. Wilson rises to WNBA MVP power rankings. Other players in discussions include Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell and Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas.
With all four stars carrying their team to a spectacular season, there is certainly a possibility of history in the WNBA. Mitchell, Thomas, or Collier could win their first MVP award, or the Aces’ star could capture a record fourth MVP accolade.