Wilson and Smith Jointly Win 2025 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
The 2023 WNBA season has come to a memorable close, with a unique twist in the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race. For the first time in WNBA history, the award was jointly awarded to two players: A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx.
Wilson, who is expected to be named an All-WNBA first-teamer for the fifth time, dominated the league in various statistical categories. She led the league in points (23.4) and blocks (2.3) per game, player efficiency rating (33.4%), and defensive rebounds (7.9). On the other hand, Smith, who is not among the front-runners for the MVP award, excelled in her defensive role, helping the Lynx secure the No. 1 seed in the WNBA playoffs.
Smith's impact on defence was evident in her ability to hold opponents to a low shooting percentage. In the paint, opponents shot 39.2% against her, while outside the restricted area, they struggled even more, shooting 32.4% on 3-pointers. Smith's block percentage (6.6) was second only to Seattle's Ezi Magbegor.
Smith's defensive prowess was also reflected in her combined steals and blocks tally, where she finished second with 135. She was also third in average blocks with 1.9 and total blocks with 80. In her career, Smith matched her highest number of blocks with six at Washington on June 24.
This is not the first time a Lynx player has been honoured with the DPOY award. Sylvia Fowles and Napheesa Collier have previously won the award, making Smith the third Lynx player to receive this recognition.
Meanwhile, Wilson tied Sheryl Swoopes for the third-most Defensive Player of the Year awards with three. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was third with 3 votes, while Seattle Storm guard Gabby Williams finished in second place with 9 votes.
In addition to the DPOY award, Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries was recognised for her significant performance improvements, winning the WNBA Most Improved Player Award, receiving 68 of 72 votes.
Each DPOY winner received $5,150 and a trophy for their achievement. As the first shared DPOY award in WNBA history, it marks a significant moment in the league, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collective defence in achieving success.
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