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WNBA players are working hard to make their teams stronger this season. While some are on a different level and considered strong candidates to win the championship, others are struggling to improve their level of performance.
Individually, there are players who are excelling this season. MVP candidates have made a strong impression in two months of competition, and defensive players put on notable performances every night.
With players like Elizabeth Williams and Alanna Smith trying to return to this top, these are the top five candidates to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after Week 9.
Top 5 WNBA DPOY candidates in 2024 after Week 9
#5, Azurá Stevens, LA Sparks
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After undergoing left arm surgery in March, Azurá Stevens returned to the WNBA on July 7 and has played three games so far. She returned after Cameron Brink suffered a season-ending injury on June 18. Three games are a small sample, but Stevens is already making some noise with her numbers.
She's averaging 2.3 steals and 2.0 blocks per game, boasting a 94.9 defensive rating and .159 defensive win share.
#4, Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
Ezi Magbegor remains a strong force on the defensive end of the ball, although her steals per game have taken a dip in recent weeks. The Seattle Storm forward/center averages 2.4 bpg and 1.4 spg and keeps her chances alive to win this award at the end of the season.
#3, Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Breanna Stewart has improved on both ends of the court in recent games. The New York Liberty superstar is boosting her case for the DPOY award with notable performances, including clutch blocks to give her team a win against a dangerous Connecticut Sun squad. Stewart averages 2.0 spg and 1.5 bpg, ranking in the top 10 in both categories.
#2, Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier remains a top candidate for this award, but the three players behind could overtake her once the league resumes activities. The Minnesota Lynx veteran is still a two-way menace, averaging 2.2 spg and 1.5 bpg, as her team tries to challenge for the best record in the league.
#1, A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
A'ja Wilson keeps demonstrating that she's on a different level on both ends of the floor. Besides recording historic offensive performances, Wilson boasts a 99.1 DEF RTG while averaging 1.8 spg and 2.8 bpg, posting a ridiculous 58.2% of the Aces' blocks this season.
