Wilson and Stewart making case for one more showdown
By WG RAMIREZ
LAS VEGAS — A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart began the WNBA playoffs in different cities Sunday, but their performances pointed to the same possibility: another postseason meeting between two players who know what it takes to beat each other.
Wilson powered Las Vegas past Indiana 102–85 with 38 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. Stewart led eighth-seeded New York to a 91–75 road victory over top-seeded Minnesota, finishing with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Each team is one win from advancing.
Wilson tied her playoff career high in scoring while imposing herself at both ends of the floor. She gave the Fever a problem that went beyond finding someone to defend her: Indiana also had to contend with her on the glass and at the rim. Stewart faced a different assignment against the league’s No. 1 seed. She shot 11-for-18, supplied the offense New York needed on the road and turned the Liberty’s opener into the first major upset of the playoffs.
The numbers were spectacular on their own. Together, they renewed a question that has followed Wilson and Stewart through Finals, semifinals and years of mutual respect: What might happen if both keep playing this way and meet again?
The two recently sat down for exclusive interviews with WGRamirez.com to discuss their long-standing friendship, which began as juniors playing under the USA Basketball umbrella. Both reflected on career paths that paralleled each other through college and into the WNBA.
Respect built through competition
Wilson has never described Stewart as merely a name on the other side of the bracket. In their earlier interview, she called their relationship a “healthy rivalry” and explained what competing against Stewart requires.
“She doesn’t let me take any possessions off,” Wilson said.
That is a sharper tribute than a list of awards. Wilson knows Stewart’s range, skill and feel for the game demand attention every time down the floor. She has also spoken about the connection that remains when the competition ends.
“It’s been so much fun to navigate eras and generations with Stewie,” Wilson said. “I think that’s what keeps us, and the way that we view women’s basketball, alive.”
Stewart’s assessment is just as personal and competitive. “When we play Vegas, it’s A’ja,” she said in her interview. She understands where the Aces’ greatest challenge begins, and she welcomes the standard Wilson sets.
“Anytime we go head-to-head, it’s going to be an incredible matchup,” Stewart said. “We’re two of the best to really do it.”
Neither player needs to diminish the other to make a case for her own greatness. Their comments carry more force because they have tested them in games that decided championships and seasons.
One more chapter to earn
Their playoff history has changed direction more than once. Stewart’s Seattle Storm swept Wilson’s Aces in the 2020 Finals. Las Vegas beat Stewart’s Liberty in four games to win the 2023 championship. New York answered by eliminating the Aces in four games in the 2024 semifinals. Each meeting gave one star a defining win and the other a reason to return.
That history makes a rematch compelling, but Sunday made it feel immediate. Stewart did more than lead New York past a favorite; she put the top seed on the brink of elimination. Wilson did more than fill a box score; she seized control of the Aces’ first step toward another title.
There is still work to do before another meeting. New York must finish its series against Minnesota, and Las Vegas must close out Indiana. After that, both teams would need to keep advancing. One dominant opener cannot promise any of it.
It can, however, show what the postseason stands to gain. Wilson says Stewart makes her compete on every possession. Stewart expects an incredible matchup whenever they meet. On Sunday, both played as though they were ready to hold up their end of that bargain.
The league has already seen them meet for a title and fight for a Finals berth. After two commanding Game 1 performances, there is a fresh reason to want one more Wilson–Stewart playoff chapter - and to watch whether they can earn it.
