Introduction
When an NBA star takes a moment to publicly salute a WNBA player, it signals more than just admiration — it’s a bridge between two leagues, two gendered narratives in basketball, and a recognition of pure excellence.
That’s exactly what happened recently, when Ja Morant, the explosive guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, took to social media to praise A’ja Wilson after her dominant game as the Las Vegas Aces overran the Phoenix Mercury. His act of respect has resonated widely, fueling conversations about the intersection of NBA/ WNBA fandom, recognition, and influence.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- The game performance that earned the praise
- Ja Morant’s background and relationship to A’ja Wilson
- Reactions from fans, media, and players
- Broader significance of cross-league respect
- What this means for the WNBA’s visibility and status
The Game That Sparked the Salute
A’ja Wilson’s Dominant Performance
In the WNBA Finals Game 2, A’ja Wilson put on a masterclass performance. She dropped 28 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists, proving once again why she’s one of the most feared and respected names in women’s basketball.
Wilson’s first half was electric — she lit up the scoreboard with 20 points, outpacing every other player. Her second quarter surge was particularly lethal, adding 13 more points, often single-handedly shifting momentum in favor of the Aces.
Beyond scoring, she also contributed defensively, controlling the paint and altering shots, and her leadership on the floor sets the tone for the Aces.
The Aces vs Mercury Context
The Phoenix Mercury entered as a formidable opponent, but the Aces, with Wilson leading the charge, essentially “took command” of the match. Their dominance was evident in both offense and defense — the Mercury struggled to match the intensity, especially when key matchups against Wilson failed to contain her.
Jackie Young also delivered a stellar game, scoring 32 points and pulling in 8 rebounds, supporting Wilson’s assault. Chelsea Gray added balance with a 10-point, 10-assist double-double.
The Aces’ performance was not a narrow win — it was a statement. They never allowed the Mercury real breathing space, especially in the second half.
Ja Morant’s Salute — Simple but Powerful
The Social Media Moment
Ja Morant didn’t pen a long tribute or write a press release. He simply tweeted:
“A’ja Wilson”
That’s it. But in that simplicity lies power coming from someone whose platform and voice are prominent in modern basketball culture.
The sentiment was clear: Morant recognized Wilson’s dominance, her legacy, and the gravity of her performance. Given their shared roots in South Carolina and a history of mutual respect, the tweet also carried personal resonance.
Their Connection and Mutual Respect
Morant and Wilson are not strangers. Both hail from South Carolina and have been part of overlapping narratives in U.S. basketball circles. This familiarity adds emotional weight to Morant’s public recognition.
Also, Morant has previously shown his respect for Wilson’s achievements. For example, when she made WNBA history by being the first to score 1,000 points in a single season, Morant shared a congratulatory post on his personal account:
“da mayor of SC. crib talk. congrats family @aja22wilson” This pattern shows that his salute isn’t a one-off hype reaction it’s part of an ongoing respect he shows for her craft and her legacy.
Reactions: Fans, Media, and the Basketball Community
Fan Response
The reaction from fans was overwhelmingly positive. Many saw Morant’s tweet as a powerful validation — it crosses the usual boundaries of NBA vs WNBA fandom and shows that excellence in women’s basketball deserves recognition from the broader basketball ecosystem.
Social media lit up with praise for both Wilson’s performance and Morant’s gesture. Memes, retweets, and affirmations poured in, often pointing out how this kind of cross-league support helps normalize respect for WNBA athletes in the mainstream.
Media Commentary
Sports media picked up the tweet as more than a side-note — it became part of the narrative around the Finals.
- Analysts highlighted how Wilson’s performance was historic in Finals terms: she became just the third WNBA player to score 20 points in a single Finals half, joining Angel McCoughtry (2011) and Kahleah Copper (2021).
- Observers also noted how the Aces used zone defense heavily in Game 1, contrary to their usual schemes, which paid off.
Thus, Morant’s acknowledgment amplified a story already deserving of attention.
Players and Insiders
Inside the WNBA and among players, Morant’s gesture likely resonated deeply. For athletes fighting for more visibility, pay equity, and respect, having a top NBA player acknowledge your achievements can be a morale boost and a spotlight shift.
Even former players and critics discussed how such interactions help bridge gaps in visibility, media coverage, and public perception between men’s and women’s professional basketball.
The Bigger Picture — Why This Matters
Elevating WNBA Visibility
Too often, women’s basketball achievements are sidelined or overshadowed. Cross-league acknowledgments like Morant’s help:
- Draw in casual NBA fans who might not follow WNBA
- Validate women’s performances in mainstream sports discourse
- Encourage more media coverage and social media amplification
By spotlighting Wilson’s performance, Morant’s tweet carries more echo than a single fan post.
Breaking Down Silos
Basketball, at its core, is a shared sport. But historically, men’s and women’s professional leagues have had separate spheres — separate marketing, media, fan culture. When one league’s star publicly honors the other, it helps erode those silos. It’s a reminder that greatness should be celebrated across all forms of the game.
Role Modeling Respect and Unity
For younger players, both male and female, Morant’s gesture is a lesson: champion your peers, bridge divides, use your platform responsibly. It’s a sign that respect is not limited by league or gender — it’s earned by skill, consistency, and impact.
What’s Next? What to Watch
Continued Payoffs in the Finals
With Wilson and the Aces firing on all cylinders, they pose a strong threat to the Mercury in the Finals. She’s shown she can carry the offense, dominate momentum swings, and inspire her supporting cast.
If she maintains this level, more tributes and crossover recognition are likely — both from media, fans, and additional NBA stars.
More Crossover Acknowledgments?
Morant’s salute might encourage other NBA players to do the same. When the achievements in the WNBA are extraordinary, they deserve acknowledgment — and this might be a turning point in how often that happens.
Evolution of Wilson’s Legacy
Already a multi-MVP, champion, defender of the year, and face of the Aces — each dominant performance adds chapters to Wilson’s legacy. Moments of respect from across the basketball world only cement her legend further.
Conclusion
When Ja Morant publicly saluted A’ja Wilson following her stellar performance in the Aces’ dominant win over the Mercury, it was more than a tweet. It was a statement of respect, a bridge between the NBA and WNBA communities, and validation of Wilson’s rising legacy.
Wilson’s game was absolute fire historic, powerful, and commanding. Morant’s acknowledgment gives it a broader stage, reminding us all that great basketball knows no gender. It’s about skill, dominance, and impact.
As the WNBA Finals continue, all eyes will stay on Wilson’s performance and how the basketball world responds will be just as telling.
FAQs:-
What did Ja Morant say about A’ja Wilson?
Ja Morant praised A’ja Wilson on social media for her outstanding performance, calling her one of the most dominant players in the WNBA.
How did fans react to Ja Morant’s post?
Fans from both the NBA and WNBA communities celebrated the show of support, praising Ja for uplifting women’s basketball.
What team does Ja Morant play for?
Ja Morant plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, known for his explosive athleticism and creativity.