WNBA Awards Overview and Schedule: A'ja Wilson and Alanna Smith Share Defensive Player of the Year; Paige Bueckers Wins Rookie of the Year Award
In an exciting season for women's basketball, the spotlight shines on the Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers, who has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year. This accolade comes after an impressive debut season, having been the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Bueckers, who averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, finished fifth in the league in scoring, ninth in assists, and sixth in steals. She also had the highest-scoring game of the season, tying the WNBA's single-game rookie scoring record with 44 points.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries made history as the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season. Under the guidance of Coach Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries have built an elite defense and have gotten the most out of every player, despite lacking a traditional star.
Veronica Burton, another standout player for the Valkyries, had a remarkable season. She started all 44 games and set career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Burton's improvement was so significant that she managed more total points, rebounds, and assists this season with the Valkyries than in her first three seasons combined. For her efforts, Burton was named the Most Improved Player for the Golden State Valkyries.
Nakase was also recognised for her achievements as Coach of the Year, while Alanna Smith and A'ja Wilson were named co-Defensive Players of the Year. Smith, earning this honour for the first time, and Wilson, a three-time DPOY, were a stabilising presence for their respective teams' defences.
The WNBA season is not over yet, with several key award announcements still to come. The All-Rookie Team, All-Defensive Teams, All-WNBA Teams, MVP, and the Sportsmanship Award are all set to be announced in the coming weeks. The Executive of the Year will also be announced, though the current executive of the Golden State Valkyries remains unnamed at this time.
A'ja Wilson, who led the league in blocks with 2.3 per game, is now in an elite group with Sheryl Swoopes, Sylvia Fowlees, and Tamika Catchings as three-time DPOY winners. Wilson's dominance on the defensive end played a crucial role in the Lynx's league-leading defence, with Smith providing a solid foundation alongside her.
As the playoffs approach, the spotlight remains on these outstanding players and their teams. The WNBA continues to showcase the best of women's basketball, with exciting times ahead for fans of the sport. Stay tuned for further updates on the award announcements and the playoffs.
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