WNBA End-of-Season Awards: MVP, DPOY, and all of our picks

SB Nation has revealed its votes for the WNBA awards, with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). The choice is supported by significant statistical impact: when Wilson is off the court, the Aces are outscored by 15.2 points per game, but when she plays, they outscore opponents by 11.7 points per game, resulting in a remarkable 26.9-point swing per game—the highest among high-minute rotation players in the league. Additionally, Wilson leads the WNBA in win-shares (9.5), offensive win-shares (6.2), and defensive win-shares (3.3), according to Basketball Reference.

For Defensive Player of the Year, SB Nation voted for Alanna Smith of the Minnesota Lynx. This selection is reinforced by a statement from teammate Napheesa Collier, who is also a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Collier praised Smith's versatility and impact, emphasizing her ability to guard both post players and guards, and described her as the team's defensive anchor, crucial to their success.