The 2024 WNBA season has been nothing short of spectacular, especially when it comes to defensive prowess on the court.
As the regular season comes to a close, the race for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award has intensified, with two standout players, A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, battling it out for the top spot. Let's take a closer look at the final rankings for the 2024 WNBA DPOY award and the exceptional performances of the top contenders.
5. Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx
Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx has been a solid defensive presence throughout the season. Her contributions have been instrumental in elevating the Lynx to one of the top teams in the league. With an average of 4.0 defensive rebounds, 1.4 steals per game, and 1.5 blocks per game, Smith has proven herself as a premier defender in the WNBA.
4. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
Ezi Magbegor's defensive prowess for the Seattle Storm has been commendable. With an average of 5.8 defensive rebounds, 1.1 steals per game, and 2.2 blocks per game, Magbegor has solidified her position as one of the best defenders on the Storm roster. Her remarkable defensive rating of 108.4 is a testament to her impact on the court.
3. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier's two-way prowess has been a standout feature of her game this season. With impressive averages of 7.5 defensive rebounds, 1.9 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game, Collier has emerged as a strong candidate not only for the DPOY award but also for the season's MVP.
2. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Breanna Stewart's defensive contributions have been pivotal in leading the New York Liberty to the best record in the entire WNBA. With averages of 7.0 defensive rebounds, 1.7 steals per game, and 1.3 blocks per game, Stewart has showcased her prowess as one of the best two-way players in the league.
- A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
A'ja Wilson's dominance on the defensive end has been unparalleled throughout the season. As a stalwart for the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson's impact has been undeniable, with remarkable averages of 9.9 defensive rebounds, 1.8 steals per game, and 2.6 blocks per game. Her consistent performance and exceptional defensive rating of 94.1 make her a clear favorite to clinch her third consecutive DPOY award.
The battle for the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award has been fiercely contested, with A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart showcasing exceptional defensive skills. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on these defensive stalwarts as they continue to make their mark on the court and vie for this prestigious accolade.
