In case anyone missed it, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson is stacking up the awards this postseason.
Wilson was one of five player picked for the WNBA’s All-Defensive team. Wilson was joined on the first team by co-Defensive Player of the Year, Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith. Lynx teammate Napheesa Collier, Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas are also on the first team.
‘The No. 1 thing we go over in practice, is the biggest thing is defense,’ Wilson said after the Aces’ Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals. ‘… We have to come together and have layers to our defense. And, that’s honestly what you see when you see Aces basketball right now.
‘On the defensive side, we are trying to make the right plays and be smart.’
Wilson, who averaged a league-high 2.3 blocks along with 7.9 defensive rebounds per game, continues her quest for a third WNBA title. Game 3 of the WNBA Finals is Wednesday, Oct. 8 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The Aces hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston, Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor make up the All-Defensive second team.