Sunday turned out to be a thrilling day for the Las Vegas Aces and their star center, A’ja Wilson, as she secured a dramatic win with a buzzer-beating layup against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. However, the day didn’t start as smoothly for Wilson, who faced early challenges on the court and had some pointed words for the referees.
Wilson, who scored eight points in the first quarter, struggled with her shooting, going just 3-of-13 from the field in the early stages of the game. Frustration seemed to mount for the Aces’ star, possibly due to her slow start or a perceived lack of favorable calls from the officials. During an in-game interview with CBS Sports’s Emily Proud, Wilson didn’t hold back in expressing her displeasure with the WNBA referees.
“Everyone has to do their job,” Wilson told Proud candidly. “It’s from the players, to the refs, to the coaches—everyone has a role to play. I don’t appreciate being looked at and stared at like I’m supposed to be intimidated or like I don’t have a voice on this court.”
She continued, “Yes, we are making mistakes defensively, and we need to get more engaged, and that’s on us. But it goes hand-in-hand. And if I get fined for this, I am terribly sorry, but it’s ridiculous. We’ve been dealing with this all season. Everyone has to do their job.”
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Wilson’s fiery comments highlighted the frustration she and her team have felt throughout the season regarding officiating. This isn’t the first time the two-time WNBA MVP has openly criticized the referees during a game, as she has voiced her concerns on several occasions this year. Her frustrations were shared by her teammate Kelsey Plum, who was issued a technical foul during the game after pleading with an official to call a foul.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether the league will take disciplinary action against Wilson for her remarks. However, her willingness to speak out underscores the ongoing tension between players and officials in the WNBA, particularly as the stakes grow higher in the season.
Despite the early struggles and the heated exchange, Wilson’s performance later in the game proved pivotal. Her game-winning layup not only secured the victory for the Aces but also reaffirmed her status as one of the league’s most impactful players.
Still, her comments serve as a reminder of the challenges players face both on and off the court, as they navigate the pressures of competition and the intricacies of officiating.
