Minnesota Lynx star wnba/napheesa-collier” goal=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-is-sponsored=”false”>Napheesa Collier could not be happier for her teammate Alanna Smith, who was named the 2025 WNBA co-Defensive Participant of the Yr alongside A’ja Wilson on Thursday.
In response to the WNBA’s put up about Smith and Wilson being co-DPOYs, Collier took to her Instagram story, writing:
“So proud @alannas96.”
In accordance with a press launch from the WNBA, each Smith and Wilson acquired 29 votes for first place, with Gabby Williams receiving 9 votes, Alyssa Thomas receiving three and Collier receiving two.
That is now the third time Wilson has received the award, placing her alongside Sheryl Swoops for the third-most DPOY wins. So far, Tamika Catchings holds the file for many DPOY wins with 5.
This season, Smith and Wilson impressed in their very own proper. Within the case of Smith, along with averaging 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per sport, she was integral to the Lynx’s elite protection all through this season. In the meantime, Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP averaged 1.6 spg and a couple of.3 bpg.
Each gamers will obtain $5,150 for profitable the award.
Alanna Smith & Napheesa Collier come up massive in Minnesota’s win on Wednesday
On Wednesday, previous to the WNBA introduced that Alanna Smith and A’ja Wilson have been co-DPOYs, Smith and Napheesa Collier got here up massive in opposition to the Golden State Valkyries.
The Minnesota Lynx have been in a position to come up massive within the fourth regardless of beginning the quarter down 14. All through the ultimate interval, the Lynx continued to shut the hole earlier than an enormous shot from Collier gave them the lead with just below two minutes to go. As soon as the Lynx secured the lead, the Valkyries have been by no means in a position to get well.
Collier completed with 24 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. On the flip facet, Smith, regardless of scoring simply two factors all through the sport, was a defensive powerhouse, recording a steal and three blocks in 19 minutes of motion.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve spoke in regards to the comeback with members of the press postgame:
“I requested them to not give up. I requested them to maintain what we have been doing, get after it, and so they believed. Phee and KMac (Kayla McBride) have been terrific, navigating the 4th quarter for us.”
The crew will now collide with the winner of the Phoenix Mercury-New York Liberty sequence, which is presently tied at one sport apiece.
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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
