Alanna Smith and A’ja Wilson Named 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year in Historic Tie
Australian basketball star Alanna Smith has made history, sharing the 2025 Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award with Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson after a rare tie in voting. With Alanna Smith WNBA defensive player, A’ja Wilson co-defensive award, WNBA 2025 awards, Australian WNBA history, and Minnesota Lynx defense trending, this milestone marks a proud moment for Smith and Australian sports, as she becomes the first Aussie to win since Lauren Jackson in 2007.
A Historic First: Co-Defensive Players in WNBA History
On September 18, 2025, the WNBA announced that Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith and A’ja Wilson each received 29 votes from a 72-member media panel, resulting in the first-ever shared Defensive Player of the Year award. Smith, in her seventh WNBA season, and Wilson, a three-time MVP, anchored their teams’ elite defenses, with the Lynx boasting the league’s best defensive rating at 97.5.
Smith’s standout stats included 1.9 blocks per game (third in the WNBA), 80 total blocks (third), and 135 combined steals and blocks (second), while Wilson led with 2.3 blocks per game and 156 stocks. Both earned $5,150 and a trophy for their efforts.
Smith’s Journey: From Aussie Roots to WNBA Glory
Hailing from Melbourne, Alanna Smith, 29, rose through Stanford University and the Australian Opals, earning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Drafted eighth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019, she found her stride with the Lynx in 2024, starting all 42 games and averaging 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
Her defensive synergy with teammate Napheesa Collier, the 2024 DPOY, powered the Lynx to a 34-10 record and the No. 1 playoff seed. Coach Cheryl Reeve praised Smith’s “really smart” play, noting her shot-blocking and versatility as key to the team’s success.
Wilson’s Dominance: A Third DPOY Crown
A’ja Wilson, 29, added her third DPOY award (2022, 2023, 2025), tying Sheryl Swoopes for third all-time behind Tamika Catchings (five) and Sylvia Fowles (four). The Aces’ star led the league in blocks (2.3 per game), defensive rebounds (316), and total rebounds (407), fueling a 16-game win streak to secure the No. 2 seed.
Despite the Aces’ eighth-ranked defensive rating (101.9), Wilson’s individual dominance—96.0 defensive rating and 3.3 defensive win shares—made her a no-brainer pick.
Fan and Expert Reactions: Pride and Debate
Aussies erupted with pride on X: “Alanna Smith making history! First Aussie DPOY since Lauren Jackson—huge!” WNBA analyst Noa Dalzell called Smith “the anchor of Minnesota’s elite defense,” citing her 46% rim protection on 137 shots. Some fans debated Wilson’s edge, pointing to her league-leading stats, but the tie was widely seen as fair.
Skeptics on Reddit questioned the Lynx’s team-driven defense, but coach Reeve’s endorsement of Smith’s “synergy” with Collier silenced doubts.
Why It Matters to Americans: Sports, Culture, and Transatlantic Ties
Smith’s win resonates in the U.S., where the WNBA’s $2.2 billion media deal amplifies women’s sports. Economically, her success boosts Minnesota’s sports tourism, with Lynx playoff games drawing 10,000+ fans per game. Lifestyle-wise, it inspires young athletes, especially women, in a $15 billion youth sports market. Politically, it highlights diversity in sports, with Smith’s Aussie roots echoing U.S. immigration debates. Technologically, her analytics-driven defense aligns with AI scouting trends. For sports fans, it elevates playoff hype as the Lynx face Phoenix or New York next.
A Milestone for Smith and Australia
Alanna Smith’s co-DPOY win with A’ja Wilson cements her as a defensive titan and Australian trailblazer, echoing Lauren Jackson’s 2007 triumph. With Alanna Smith WNBA defensive player, A’ja Wilson co-defensive award, WNBA 2025 awards, Australian WNBA history, and Minnesota Lynx defense fueling buzz, Smith’s journey from Melbourne to Minnesota sets the stage for a championship push. As the Lynx chase glory, her historic tie with Wilson proves defense wins hearts—and awards.
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