Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith and Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson were named WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year on Thursday.

Both players received 29 votes from a national panel of 72 media members.

This marks the third time that Wilson has won the award. She also received the honor in 2022 and 2023.

The 6-foot-4 Smith ranked third in blocked shots (80) and tied for 10th in steals (55) while helping Minnesota rack up the league's best regular-season record (34-10) and rank second in scoring defense (76.7).

Smith was a WNBA All-Defensive Second Team choice last season and figures to be a first-teamer this time around.

Smith, 29, also averaged 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in 42 games (all starts).

Wilson ranked second in blocks (92) and third in steals (64) while again being

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