Breanna Stewart named WNBA MVP, mixed reactions emerge

Breanna Stewart wins WNBA MVP after record-setting season. Stewart's arrival transformed the New York Liberty, leading them to a 32-8 record.

The race for the WNBA's MVP award reached an astonishing climax as Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty emerged victorious. Stewart, who had an exceptional debut season in the Big Apple, now holds the prestigious title of MVP for the second time.

During the 2023 regular season, Stewart achieved an extraordinary feat by scoring a remarkable 919 points, setting a new personal and league record. With an average of 23 points per game, Stewart's performance reached new heights after joining the Liberty as a free agent. Her arrival transformed the team into an unstoppable force, leading them to an impressive 32-8 record, the second-best in the league.

Another strong contender for the MVP award was Connecticut's Thomas, who displayed exceptional resilience throughout multiple seasons despite playing with torn labrums in both shoulders. In 2023, Thomas showcased her finest skills, averaging nearly 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists per game. Her leadership guided Connecticut to the third-best record in the WNBA, and she even achieved a historic 20-20-10 triple-double, becoming the league's all-time leader in this category.

The Aces' superstar, Wilson, also had an outstanding season, possibly even surpassing her previous MVP-winning performance in 2022. Wilson achieved a career-high average of 22.8 points per game, shooting an impressive 56 percent from the field. Furthermore, she maintained her exceptional defensive skills and was recognized as the league's Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

Despite Wilson's exceptional performance, her MVP candidacy may have been slightly affected by the Aces' dominant status as the WNBA's juggernaut. The team, reigning champions from the previous season, achieved an impressive 34-6 record and secured the top seed in the playoffs.

In conclusion, the competition for the WNBA's MVP award was intense and captivating. Breanna Stewart, with her record-breaking season, emerged as the deserving winner. However, both Thomas and Wilson displayed remarkable skills and achievements, making the race for the MVP title truly unforgettable.