Minnesota Lynx v Phoenix Mercury - Source: Getty — WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Napheesa Collier (Week 14) (Credit: Getty)

WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Napheesa Collier (Week 14)

Modified Sep 11, 2024 00:29 GMT

The final week of the latest WNBA season is underway and several players are clear favorites to win individual awards. The MVP race, as entertaining as it's been, appears to have a clear winner. The same could be said about the Defensive Player of the Year award, but this race could be closer than people think.

Here are the top five DPOY candidates for Week 14, featuring high-profile names like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.

Top 5 WNBA DPOY candidates in 2024 after Week 14

#5, Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx

Alanna Smith was one of the more active players on both ends of the floor this season. However, she was critical on defense for the Minnesota Lynx. She didn't have the best Week 14, averaging 1.0 steals per game and zero blocks.

Yet, for the season, she averages 1.4 spg and 1.6 bpg while grabbing 3.8 defensive rebounds per outing.

#4, Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

Ezi Magbegor was a menace near the rim this week, averaging 2.7 blocks in three games. However, she only recorded 0.3 spg, 4.7 dreb and a defensive rating of 99.4. For the year, the center/forward has posted 5.8 dreb, 1.1 spg and 2.2 bpg for the Seattle Storm.

#3, Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

Napheesa Collier has been a force on the defensive end, but her Week 14 wasn't the strongest, especially compared to the next two players on the list. She posted 1.0 spg,1.5 bpg and a DEF RTG of 91.0. For the season, she's averaging 7.5 dreb, 1.9 spg and 1.3 bpg for the Minnesota Lynx.

#2, Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Breanna Stewart had a strong week 14 after notching two wins with the New York Liberty. She recorded 1.5 spg, 2.0 bpg and 7.5 dreb. She's averaging 1.8 spg, 1.4 bpg and 7.2 dreb for the season.

#1, A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

A'ja Wilson continued her run as the top candidate to win the WNBA DPOY award. The Aces' superstar posted 2.0 spg and 2.7 bpg with an 87.7 DEF RTG. She grabbed 10.0 dreb, - 42.6% of her team's defensive rebounds. She's averaged 9.7 dreb, 1.9 spg and 2.7 bpg in 34 games this campaign.