As the 2025 WNBA Finals continue, the league is also rolling out its season awards. After announcing the Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year (or co-DPOY this last season), fans expected the All-Defensive Teams to be revealed on October 1. However, that didn’t happen. Following Napheesa Collier’s four-and-a-half-minute speech criticizing the league, rumors spread that her comments caused the delay. Now, after much waiting, the WNBA has finally announced the All-Defensive First and Second Teams.

The list is comprised of some of the biggest stars in the league, such as A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, and so many more. As always, there are a few surprises in the store as well. Especially as a surprise from the newest team to enter the league, the Golden State Valkyries. The following are the 2025 WNBA All-Defensive Teams:

First Team

• Napheesa Collier
• Alanna Smith
• Alyssa Thomas
• Gabby Williams
• A’ja Wilson

Second Team

• Aliyah Boston
• Veronica Burton
• Rhyne Howard
• Ezi Magbegor
• Breanna Stewart

While there were plenty of rumors about the delay in the announcement, it turns out Napheesa Collier’s exit interview had nothing to do with it. In the league’s initial release, they had already noted that the date was “subject to change.” Yes, Napheesa’s comments have certainly affected Cathy Engelbert and her team, but for now, the WNBA didn’t let that issue get in the way. As for the announcement itself, there are definitely a few players who might feel left out.

One of the biggest surprises is that only one player from the Atlanta Dream made the list. The Dream had the second-best defense in the league this season, so seeing no player on the All-Defensive First Team feels a bit odd. Their lone representative is Rhyne Howard, though many believe another Dream player deserved recognition as well. Still, the announcement did come with at least one pleasant surprise.

Keeping the spirits of their entire season, the Golden State Valkyries had another reason for a big celebration as Veronica Burton was also named to the second team of the WNBA All-Defensive Team. This is quite an achievement for a player who many considered to be a bust. She pairs her All-Defensive Team Selection with her Most Improved Player of the Year award. This caps off an incredibly successful debut campaign for the Valkyries, who also won the Coach of the Year award for their head coach, Natalie Nakase.

After the announcement of the WNBA All-Defensive Team 2025, it will now be interesting to see how the co-Defensive Players of the Year will perform against each other as we get back to the WNBA Finals.

Can Alyssa Thomas lead a Phoenix Mercury Comeback after WNBA recognition?

Alyssa Thomas made it to the All-Defensive team, but there’s one thing biting her hard. As Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA finals was ending, Alyssa Thomas had a golden opportunity to put the Mercury in a prime position. Not only would the Mercury have gotten the lead in the finals, they would have done so at the Las Vegas Aces’ home court. However, those misses were costly, as the Phoenix Mercury now finds itself 2-0 down as it returns to its home court. They are now faced with the necessity of having to win Game 3 if there’s going to be any hope of winning the finals. So, as we get closer to tip-off, can Alyssa Thomas lead a comeback?

There are a few things that the Phoenix Mercury can count on to be better. First of all, the crowd will be fully behind them in full voice. Another benefit they have is having an extra day of rest. It is no secret that both Alyssa Thomas are banged up. This extra day off will give them more time to heal and come into Game 3 as healthy as they can. There is one more factor that needs to work in Phoenix’s favor if they are to win the game.

DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb need to have a bigger offensive contribution in the finals going forward. It is a known fact that role players perform better at home, so the Mercury would hope that their bench can also find its mojo. Alyssa Thomas can only take the team so far if there are no contributions from the bench.