Who’s the Real MVP? A’ja, AT, or Napheesa?

The MVP conversation is heating up and as we hit the final stretch of the regular season, it’s clear that three names have separated themselves from the rest: Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, and A’ja Wilson. Each is putting together an elite season in their own way, but depending on how you define “valuable,” your answer may vary.

So let’s break it down.

🔥 Scoring Leader: Napheesa Collier

Collier is averaging 23.1 points per game, just edging out A’ja Wilson’s 22.0. She’s the No. 1 scoring option on the No. 1 team in the league. The Minnesota Lynx are sitting at 22–4, and she’s a huge reason why. It’s not always flashy. Some folks even call her game boring. But what she does is efficient, fundamental, and highly effective.

She’s shooting over 50% from the field, 34% from three, and nearly 93% from the free throw line. If her three-point shooting creeps up a few more points, we’re talking 50/40/90 club territory. 

🧠 Playmaking Leader: Alyssa Thomas

Nobody in the league is doing more with the ball in their hands than Alyssa Thomas, who’s averaging a wild 9.4 assists per game. The Mercury’s offense runs through her; whether it’s in transition, the high post, or finding cutters,— she’s the engine.

AT’s game isn’t “smooth” in the traditional sense. It’s rugged. It’s physical. But it gets the job done. And while her scoring (15.1 PPG) isn’t as high as the others, her near triple-double averages (9.4 REB, 9.4 AST) show how much she impacts every facet of the game. The Mercury are ranked 3rd in the WNBA with a 15–9 record, and her fingerprints are all over that success.

💪🏽 Defensive Anchor: A’ja Wilson

There’s not a more intimidating presence in the paint than A’ja Wilson. She’s averaging 2.3 blocks per game and nearly a double-double with 9 rebounds. Add in 22 points, and you have a stat line that screams dominance.

But what sets A’ja apart is the fire. Her passion. Her flair. Her ability to take over a game emotionally and statistically. Even with the Aces struggling (12–13 record), she’s the constant. She’s been to the free throw line 167 times, more than either Thomas or Collier, which shows how aggressive and unstoppable she is in the paint.

📈 Efficiency Star: Phee

Statistically, Collier might be having the most well-rounded and efficient season in the league. She’s not just scoring, she’s doing it without wasting possessions. And with Minnesota at the top of the standings, she checks both boxes: individual performance and team success.

🤝 Do-It-All Engine: AT

AT’s numbers are wild. 15.1 PTS, 9.4 REB, 9.4 AST. She’s not just putting up stats, she’s shouldering the weight of an entire system (pun definitely intended 😂). While her free throw percentage is the lowest of the three (66.7%), she’s still managed to draw 83 trips to the line and continues to pressure defenses every possession.

👀 So… Who’s the MVP?

There’s no one definition of “Most Valuable Player.” Some look at team records. Some look at the box score. Some go with their gut.

If you’re going off the eye test, it’s hard to deny Napheesa Collier. She’s calm, surgical, and unstoppable.

If you want the volume and impact, Alyssa Thomas might be your pick because nearly averaging a triple-double in this league is absurd.

If you value intangibles, defense, and raw dominance, A’ja Wilson’s your girl—even if the team record isn’t where it’s been in recent years.

All three deserve to be in the conversation. But if the vote was today?

For me, the edge goes to Alyssa Thomas based on the balance in volume across all stats, although I do prefer A’ja & Phee’s offensive styles. With the regular season spanning into September, there’s still a lot of time for each of these players to set themselves apart.