Aces WNBA Star A’ja Wilson and Lynx’s Alanna Smith Make Historic Co-DPOY Impact on MVP Race and Playoff Odds

Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson and Minnesota Lynx’s Alanna Smith have made WNBA history as the first Co-Defensive Players of the Year. The unprecedented tie highlights their dominant seasons, with Wilson securing her third DPOY award and Smith earning her first.

This landmark decision could reshape both the MVP race and playoff dynamics, as Wilson remains a frontrunner for the league’s top individual honor while both players lead their teams into the postseason as championship contenders. The shared recognition underscores the evolving nature of defensive excellence in the WNBA.

A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith Make WNBA History as First Co-Defensive Players of the Year

The WNBA witnessed a groundbreaking moment as Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson and Minnesota Lynx’s Alanna Smith were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year for the 2025 season. This marks the first time in league history that the award has been shared, with both players receiving 29 votes apiece from the media panel. Wilson, a two-time MVP, adds her third DPOY trophy—joining legends like Sheryl Swoopes—while Smith earns her first major accolade after a career-defining season.

The tie reflects their contrasting yet equally dominant defensive styles. Wilson led the league in blocks (2.8 per game) while ranking top-six in steals, anchoring the Aces’ top-rated defense. Smith, meanwhile, transformed the Lynx into contenders with her switchability, guarding all five positions and ranking fourth in blocks. Their collective impact is undeniable: the Aces and Lynx finished as the top two defensive teams this season.

This shared award isn’t just about stats—it’s a testament to how defense evolves. Wilson’s rim protection and Smith’s perimeter versatility represent the modern WNBA’s dual defensive pillars. Future voters might need to consider categorizing defensive roles when evaluating candidates.

By the Numbers: How Their Defensive Dominance Compares

How the Co-DPOY Verdict Reshapes the 2025 MVP Race

Wilson’s historic DPOY trifecta amplifies her MVP candidacy, placing her in rare company. Only Sylvia Fowles (2021) has won both MVP and DPOY in the same season this decade. Wilson’s league-leading 24.1 PPG coupled with elite defense creates an unprecedented two-way résumé. However, Lynx star Napheesa Collier—Smith’s teammate—remains her strongest competitor, averaging 23.3 PPG for the conference-leading Lynx.

The timing is critical: MVP ballots were due before postseason play, meaning Wilson’s DPOY announcement could sway undecided voters. Historical trends favor her—three of the past five MVPs also ranked top-three in defensive win shares. Yet Collier’s narrative as the engine behind Minnesota’s surprise 26-win campaign carries weight.

Here’s the twist: Wilson’s shared DPOY might actually help Collier. Voters who prioritize singular dominance could see the tie as evidence that Smith diluted Wilson’s defensive supremacy. This race will come down to whether they value Wilson’s all-around brilliance or Collier’s irreplaceable role on the West’s top seed.

MVP Voting Projections

• Wilson’s case: 1st in scoring, 2nd in rebounds, anchoring WNBA’s most efficient offense AND defense
• Collier’s edge: Higher clutch scoring (58 points in “clutch time”), better record vs top-4 teams (7-3)

Playoff Implications: Can Co-DPOYs Deliver Championships?

History suggests this honor translates to postseason success. Six of the last ten DPOYs won titles that same year—a promising omen for the Aces and Lynx, who hold the top two playoff seeds. Wilson’s Aces boast championship experience, having won back-to-back titles in 2023-24, while Smith’s Lynx have surged from a 14-20 record in 2024 to 26-10 this season.

Defense wins championships, and both teams excel in critical areas:

• Aces: 1st in defensive rebounds (29.1/gm), forced turnovers (15.2/gm)
• Lynx: Best 3pt defense (31.2% opponent shooting), fewest second-chance points allowed (8.1/gm)

Watch for the X-factor: fatigue. Wilson averages 34.2 MPG (3rd highest) while Smith plays 30.1 MPG. If the Aces face the Lynx in the Finals, Smith’s relatively fresher legs could decide those pivotal fourth-quarter stops.

Alanna Smith’s Meteoric Rise: From Role Player to Franchise Cornerstone

Smith’s journey makes this award particularly remarkable. After averaging just 4.5 PPG in 2024, she exploded for 12.3 PPG this season while becoming the Lynx’s defensive anchor. Her +7.3 net rating led all Minnesota starters, and she guarded more isolation plays (143) than any forward not named Alyssa Thomas.

The financial ramifications are massive. As a 2026 free agent, Smith could command a max contract—past DPOYs saw salary jumps of 35-50%. For context:

• Pre-DPOY earnings: $150k in 2024
• Projected 2026 deal: $225k-$250k annually

Smith’s Defensive Transformation

Will Shared Awards Become a WNBA Trend? Analyzing the Precedent

This decision sparks debate about award categorization. Unlike the NBA’s strict tiebreakers, the WNBA’s willingness to honor co-winners acknowledges defense’s multifaceted nature. Consider these arguments:

• Pro-shared awards: Prevents voter fatigue (Wilson had 45% media share last year)
• Against: Diminishes exclusivity; could lead to MVP splits

The WNBA got this right. Defense isn’t just blocks or steals—it’s systems and adaptability. Wilson and Smith exemplify different defensive philosophies. Forcing a choice would’ve marginalized one style’s value. Let’s hope this encourages voters to think beyond traditional metrics.

The Ultimate Question: Who Benefits More From This Historic Tie?

While both players gain legitimacy, the ripple effects differ sharply:

• For Wilson: Strengthens her GOAT case—only Catchings (5) and Fowles (4) have more DPOYs
• For Smith: Elevates her from solid starter to franchise player status instantly

Their teams also reap rewards. The Aces now have three DPOY winners (Wilson, Parker, Young) on roster—an NBA/WNBA record. The Lynx secured their first major individual honors since Maya Moore’s 2014 MVP.

Long-term, Smith gains more. Wilson was already a legend. But this award rewrites Smith’s career trajectory overnight—she’s now the blueprint for stretch-big defenders. GMs will spend the next decade drafting “the next Alanna Smith.”