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The Connecticut Sun (12-1) owns the WNBA's best record so far in the 2024 season, thanks to DiJonai Carrington anchoring the defense. With more than a quarter of the season over, some of her colleagues see her as the frontrunner for the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
In the first 12 games of the season, Carrington has averaged 12.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. During the 85-67 win against the Dallas Wings on Friday, Carrington contributed 14 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and one block.
More than the numbers, the former Baylor Bear could limit Arike Ogunbowale to shooting only 2-of-15. This defensive performance was a huge key to the Sun's victory over the Wings and was commended by her fellow college teammate NaLyssa Smith.
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"DPOTY @DijonaiVictoria," posted Thomas on X.
The tag eventually got the attention of Carrington, who responded about the four-time WNBA All-Star.
"IDRK (I don't really know)," replied Carrington to Thomas.
The stir for the DPOY conversation started when the Sun overpowered the Indiana Fever, 89-71. Going up against fan-favorite Caitlin Clark, the five-foot-11 guard limited Clark to just 10 points and forcing three turnovers.
DiJonai Carrington entered the league in 2021 as the 20th overall pick. After three years in the WNBA, the 26-year-old was given a starting spot in the Connecticut Sun rotation in the 2024 season running alongside Taysha Harris in the backcourt. The starting role boosted her career averages in scoring, rebounds and assists.
DiJonai Carrington could become sixth guard to win WNBA DPOY
The WNBA has awarded Defensive Player of the Year since its inception in 1997. Theresa Weatherspoon has won the first two DPOYs and was just one of the five guards to win the prestigious recognition.
If DiJonai Carrington wins the 2024 WNBA DPOY, she will be the sixth guard to take home the award. The others are Sheryl Swoopes, Debbie Black, Alana Beard and Natasha Howard.
Swoopes won it three times, while the most DPOY awards in WNBA history is Tamika Catchings with five, followed by Sylvia Folwes with four.
