A’ja Wilson and the rivalry that elevates the game
For A’ja Wilson, the difficulty of facing Stewart lies not only in her offensive talent but also in her ability to be unpredictable on every play.
“I love competing against Stewie because every time we play, it’s a big game, a showcase of elite basketball,” Wilson said.
Stewart’s combination of height, ball-handling, and long-range accuracy forces Wilson to stay alert throughout the game, elevating both her own performance and that of her teammates.
Over the years, A’ja Wilson has faced Stewart in crucial playoff moments. In the 2020 Finals, Stewart and the Seattle Storm defeated the Aces, although Wilson averaged an extraordinary 28.3 points per game.
In the 2022 semifinals, Wilson recorded 33 points and 13 rebounds in one game, while Stewart scored 42 points in another, making it clear that each encounter between the two feels like a real-time chess match.
Challenge, respect, and mutual growth
A’ja Wilson has also highlighted the human dimension of this rivalry. In 2024, she noted that her relationship with Stewart goes beyond competition.
“We get along, and that makes everything better. It’s not a rivalry; we help each other improve with every play.”
This dynamic has kept fans on the edge of their seats for years, establishing their matchups as some of the most thrilling in WNBA history.
The respect A’ja Wilson has for Stewart reflects how high-level competition can push an athlete to surpass her limits.
