As’ a’ja Wilson, Alanna Smith of Lynx Sharing Wnba Dpoy

Henderson, nev. – The Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson was elected defensive player of the year WNBA Thursday for the third time in four seasons, sharing the prize this time with Alanna Smith of Minnesota Lynx.

Each player received 29 votes from the 72 media members who participated. This is the first time that the prize, presented for the first time in the inaugural season of the WNBA in 1997, has gone to more than one player.

Wilson, who also won the prize in 2022 and 2023, equaled Sheryl Swoopes for the third prize DPOY. Tamika Catchings has the record with five, and Sylvia Fowles is as follows with four.

Wilson led the league with 2.3 blocks per game, finished third with 7.9 defensive rebounds and finished fourth with 1.6 interceptions.

The lynx led the WNBA with 97.5 points per 100 possessions. Smith finished second in interceptions and combined blocks with 135 and third in medium blocks with 1.9 and total blocks with 80.

Smith is the second consecutive minnesota player to at least share this award. Naphesesa Collier was elected the best defensive player in the League in 2024, making the Lynx the first team to have two different players winning the award in consecutive seasons.

Wilson and necklace are the fronts of the MVP, which will be announced on Sunday.

The lynx captured the head of the series of the playoffs, and the ASs were second.

Wilson and Smith were well ahead of others in the votes for the best defender. Gabby Williams of Seattle finished third with nine votes, Alyssa Thomas de Phoenix succeeded three and necklace finished with two.