The WNBA playoffs are in full swing, and we’ve reached what was an exciting semi-final stage. Both series, featuring Las Vegas Ice vs. Seattle Storm and Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun, tied 1-1. Play will resume on Sunday with a pair of Game 3s.
In addition to the action on the field, it’s also award season in the WNBA. Over the next few weeks, the league will officially honor the best and brightest of the 2022 regular season. Here’s a look at the winners:
Defensive Player of the Year: Aja Wilson, Las Vegas ICE
In one of the closest races we’ve seen this award season, Aja Wilson beat Alyssa Thomas and Brenna Stewart as Defensive Player of the Year. This is the first time Wilson has won the award, and she is the first female player in Aces franchise history to do so. Wilson led the league in blocks at a rate of 1.9 per game, and also averaged 7.6 defensive rebounds and 1.4 steals. Furthermore, she ranked third in defensive win stakes at 2.4, at Basketball-Reference.com. While the Aces didn’t have the best group defense, Wilson’s individual prowess and elite edge protection were enough to earn them this honor.
Rookie of the Year: Ryan Howard, Atlanta Dream
There was a little suspense when this award was announced. Howard, seeded #1 overall, was fantastic in the junior season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Among the juniors, she was first in scoring, sixth in rebounds, first in assists and first in stealing. She also became the eighth rookie in league history with an average of at least 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two arrows (steals plus blocks). Thanks in large part to Howard, the dream exceeded expectations and almost made it to the playoffs.
Most Improved Player: Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
In another first-seeded win, Jackie Young was named Most Improved Player. After improving steadily since her rookie season in 2019, Young has jumped this season and became an All-Star for the first time. She averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 43.1 percent from 3-point ground; All these numbers, except for assists, were at a high career level. Young’s outside shot was the biggest difference, as she went from a hesitant shot to one of the best players in the league.
Sixth Player of the Year: Breonna Jones, Connecticut Sun
With Alyssa Thomas back to health again, last season’s player of the year Briona Jones is back on the bench. There, she quickly became the favorite for Year 6 Player of the Year, and This honor is now officially awarded. It’s the third different player from Sun to win the award, which is more than any other franchise. Jones placed 13.8 points and 5.1 rebounds on 56.9 percent of the field, earning an All-Star for the second consecutive season.
Coach of the Year: Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Ice
One of the biggest moves of the entire Excel season was the Aces that allowed long-time coach Bill Laimbere to go and hire Becky Hammon to replace him. You have turned the Aces into a modern basketball team and helped make them an unstoppable line on attack. Under Hammon’s leadership, Al-Hos won a franchise record of 26 games and won first place in the playoffs. hamon The third former player to win the award.
CEO of the Year: James Wade, Chicago Sky
Wade has dual responsibilities as head coach and general manager of Sky, and few people in the history of the league have managed to rank as well as he did last year. Having led Sky to the title last season, Then put together an advanced lesson in team building and list management In the winter to make sure they stay competitive this season. Major moves included re-signing Courtney Vanderslott, Ally Quigley and Kaleh Cooper, signing with Emma Missiman and Rebecca Gardner in free agency and trading for Julie Allmand.
All beginners team
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Ryan Howard |
Atlanta Dream |
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Nalissa Smith |
Indiana fever |
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Shakira Austin |
Sophia Washington |
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Queen Agbo |
Indiana fever |
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Rebecca Gardner |
Chicago Sky |