A'ja Wilson criticizes WNBA officials for 'ridiculous' treatment: Aces star calls out refs during win vs. Sky

As A'ja Wilson pointed out, it didn't take long for things to get contentious during Sunday's WNBA matinee between the Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky.

The defending champion Aces entered Sunday's game having lost four of their last five, so tempers were understandably bubbling. After the first quarter, WNBA MVP favorite Wilson expressed some frustrations with officiating in the game at and and over the course of the season.

"Everyone has to do their job," Wilson said between the first and second quarters. "From the players to the refs to the coaches, we all have to do our jobs. And I don't appreciate being looked at and stared at as if you're trying to intimidate me or act like I don't have a voice on this court."

Wilson's remarks, however brief, got her point across during the interview. Here's what the Aces' 28-year-old superstar had to say and how it ties into larger issues that she and other stars have taken with officiating.

MORE: Why Caitlin Clark's technical fouls, complaining are a non-issue

A'ja Wilson criticizes officials in mid-game interview

After Wilson explained why everyone needs to do their jobs, she acknowledged where she and her team could be better before saying: "If I get fined for this, I am terribly sorry. But it’s ridiculous we have been going through this all season."

Wilson didn't just bring the fire in her first quarter interview, she also was able to add to her MVP case with her performance against Chicago. Despite struggling from the field, Wilson finished with 20 points and 18 rebounds, with no bucket bigger than her game-winner at the buzzer.

Despite being one of the game's most dominant post scorers, Wilson made just five trips to the free throw line, where she converted four times. She shot 8-of-28 from the field, with many misses coming as a result of physicality from Chicago's Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese.

The lack of calls despite that physicality miffed both Wilson and teammate Kelsey Plum, who picked up a technical foul while pleading for a call after finishing through plenty of contact in the second half.

It wasn't just the Aces, either. Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was also whistled for a tech during the game, while Reese too was displeased with the contact she received during a transition opportunity she was unable to convert.

Wilson's season-long complaint mirrors that of other stars, a list that also includes Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. In addition to Clark recently receiving a tech for being frustrated with herself, she has also been vocal about how games are officiated .

While Las Vegas was able to escape Chicago with a 77-75 win Sunday, the team still has some larger issues with officials that could very will spill over into the postseason.