WNBA fans had lots of thoughts about Napheesa Collier winning Defensive Player of the Year.
The WNBA revealed several season awards on Sunday, including Defensive Player of the Year honors. That title went to Collier, who has been the life and soul behind the Minnesota Lynx and a massive reason why the team has one of the best records in the WNBA.
Additionally, Phee’s high motor helped Minnesota sustain a top-five defense for most of the season. With Collier’s help, the Lynx ranked second in defensive rating (94.8) and fewest points allowed (75.6.) At the individual level, Phee ranked second in the WNBA in steals per game (1.91), fourth in defensive rebounds per game (7.5) and seventh in blocked shots per game (1.41).
D.Phee.O.Y. 👑
Napheesa Collier is the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/rIprkJZjQ3
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 29, 2024
All heart, all hustle, ALL DEFENSE 🛡️
2024 Kia WNBA #DPOY Napheesa Collier has had quite the year. And there’s still so much more to see.#KiaDPOY | @Kia pic.twitter.com/BYlTSJp4jG
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 29, 2024
Collier’s campaign to secure her new hardware was not without pressure from other players. A’ja Wilson, who also had a stellar season, was right behind Collier in voting.
WNBA Defensive Player of the Year voting breakdown: pic.twitter.com/gII4FREEAg
— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) September 29, 2024
As you might imagine, there’s been a conversation about Wilson and Collier both being defensive forces. Here’s some of what has been said:
I’m so confused on how Aja lead every defensive category and not win https://t.co/N0xlAlowjH
— Jaron (@JayTC07) September 29, 2024
Idk how u get this award w/o being first in any of the categories that matter … 🥴
— Mz_Maynz ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼 (@mz_maynz) September 29, 2024
No slight to Phee but how can you be defensive player of the year if you don’t lead in rebounds, blocks, or steals? pic.twitter.com/qHy76mzaZC
— Queer Latifah 🥂 (@TheAfrocentricI) September 29, 2024
A'ja was:
1st In blocks
1st in rebounds
1st in defensive win shares
3rd in stealsHOW IS SHE NOT DPOY
— C'am💫 (@CamReacts__) September 27, 2024
Individual stats is cool and all but the Lynx team defensive rating was higher than the Aces. Defensively what Phee contributed to her team was remarkable, transcended to the second best record in the league and earned her DPOY.
If roles reversed, A’Ja would’ve won for sure 🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/Fyum7qc31N
— Jayeee (@Ooh_Im_Fanceyy) September 30, 2024
Maybe because of this https://t.co/8mDjynfKfj pic.twitter.com/Z7Xpyx3f0b
— Off-Season Swag (@socorooopova) September 29, 2024
Tbf, there’s too many defensive things that don’t show up on a stat sheet….. same way DiJonai isn’t top 5 in blocks or steals but she’s absolutely putting clamps on players. Esp cuz forcing turnovers/bad shots doesn’t get recorded
— MJ (@eMjAy_023) September 29, 2024
I figured Phee was going to get the nod over A'ja for DPOY. I think it was close, but Phee is more than deserving. Fantastic season on both ends of the court. Real two way players in the house!
— Black to the Future (@DeLoSankara) September 27, 2024
this a’ja/napheesa discourse is getting weird like a’ja won mvp and phee won dpoy, the awards are decided and it’s done can we focus on something else idk
— ⋆⭒˚｡ (@rloveswbb) September 29, 2024
