A'ja Wilson has recalled a frosty exchange with an official at the Paris Olympics after playing a starring role in the USA's win over Belgium - claiming the referee told her to "get her emotions in check".
The two-time WNBA MVP has demonstrated her all-conquering talent while at the Games, leading the Stars and Stripes to a 57th consecutive Olympic win in their most recent outing. The 27-year-old center is averaging 23.5 points and 13 rebounds in France across two games so far.
Spearheading the charge in a 87-74 victory over the Belgians, her commanding showing was crucial in silencing the crowd at Pierre Mauroy Stadium, which was largely backing their opponents. However, Wilson's impassioned performance purportedly drew a disparaging comment from the referee on the night.
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The Las Vegas Aces superstar claimed: "[he said] I need to, get my emotions in check, and I think that just heightened my emotions even more because I’m like, ‘How are you going to tell me at my job that I can’t show emotion, passion? So I keep my cool. I continue being me. I keep my cool by understanding who I am and who I have around me, and don’t look back and just keep going."
Following the alleged exchange with the official, the two-time WNBA champion resolved to maintain her usual levels of commitment for the remainder of the game. Shaking off the alleged remarks, she said: "I’m not going to let a defender think that they stopped me. I don’t think I’m ever going to let them off the hook.
"And that’s what I got to keep doing. So to that ref, I’m going to keep yelling," she vowed, as she asserted that her passion forms an intrinsic part of her personality on court. "I’m gonna keep screaming. I’m gonna keep fussing, cussing anywhere in-between cheering. Because that’s the game that I play."
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With the venue just six miles from the border with Belgium, the backing from the spectators in the crowd for the opposition was not lost on Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve . Ultimately, the four-time WNBA champion was left convinced that the experience will prove to be invaluable for her team.
Touching on the atmosphere in the Lille arena, she acknowledged: "We like when it’s close and there’s 24,000 people against you. Who doesn’t want a great growing experience?"
Detailing the challenge posed by Belgium in the game, she added: "For us, to be in hard games is valuable — versus maybe some pool play (games) we’ve had in the past that don’t ready you for what lies ahead in medal rounds. This was a terrific for us. No doubt we’re gonna be in this situation again and hopefully we can handle it just as well."
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