Ever since the beginning of the 2025 season, Napheesa Collier has been on her redemption arc. After losing the MVP title to Wilson last year, she’s been chasing it. And for the majority of the time, she was succeeding—until A’ja happened. The Aces captain took her dominant form and averaged 23.4 points with 10.2 rebounds per game to end the season. So, you know she’s in the driver’s seat… But, with her DPOY title declaration, it looks like a conspiracy might steal her fourth MVP!

It all comes up with A’ja Wilson winning her third WNBA Defensive Player of the Year title, as announced on Thursday. But unlike her earlier titles, this one she’s sharing with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith. Each player received 29 votes from the panel of 72 media members who participated in the voting process to create history. But Wilson’s achievement isn’t just limited to this.

With her winning the title in 2022, 2023, and 2025, she tied Sheryl Swoopes for the third-highest number of times named as the top defensive player. However, all these historic achievements are just the good part of the conspiracy. Yes, the superstar from South Carolina is one of the real defensive anchors at W. Possessing elite mobility at 6’4, she protects the rim and defends the perimeter, even during pick-and-roll. She even leads the league with 2.3 blocks per game and a total of 156 blocks. She showcased her brilliance by assuming a variety of assignments during the Aces’ 16-game winning streak. But, honestly, co-DPOY is just a compensation awarded to Wilson so that the league could give MVP to Napheesa Collier.

While the Minnesota Lynx star, who’s been chasing the MVP and championship title the entire season, is one of the favorites, Wilson, at the moment, is quite ahead of her. As Dalzell said on WNBA Today on CLNS, “I think the most astounding single statistic that I came across when I put my ballot together, and this included like all the research that I did, was that the Las Vegas Aces were 26.9 points better, 26.9 points when A’ja Wilson was on the floor, than when she was off of it. So when A’ja Wilson’s on the floor, the Aces are outscoring opponents by 15.2 points per game.”

But still, she might not get the award for the fourth time. And we’re not saying this, Candace Parker shared this while reflecting on “voter fatigue.” “Similar to, during the Jordan era, Karl Malone got one, Charles Barkley got one; Jordan should have probably had more MVPs. Same thing with LeBron… Bron got to four, and people were like, ‘All right, that’s enough!’ So my question is, is there going to be voter fatigue?” she shared during the recent episode of Post Moves with Aliyah Boston. So, when spectators saw Wilson getting the award, they couldn’t help but jump to the comment section.

DPOY a compensation for A’ja Wilson??

Within minutes of the declaration, the entire social media followed, buzzing about a conspiracy around Wilson. Even A’ja Wilson’s boyfriend, Bam Adebayo, posted a reply. “Can somebody explain Co to me right now..?!?” he penned over a picture of Wilson posted on his Thread account. It was a joke, but it did highlight some truth. And then, fans followed…

“Nah, some fishy shit is going on. Phee might’ve actually won MVP lmfao,” penned a user on X. Well, getting both MVP and DPOY in the same season is extremely rare even at the NBA. It’s because MVPs are usually picked for their offensive impact, whereas DPOY recognizes defensive dominance, and voters often separate those narratives. Historically, only Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon have ever won MVP + DPOY in the same season. And, if it happens at W, A’ja will make history. So it’s quite understandable why spectators think this way.

“I said that as soon as I saw it… oh they want Phee to get that so they gotta give her something smh,” penned another user. But is it really the case? No. Collier’s among the favorites to win the award, as even 67% of the GMs voted for her earlier this season. She’s made her case even more compelling by scoring 34 points in the season opener and then continuing the pace for the rest of the season. Not just that, she ended her season with a career high of 22.9 points on 53.1% shooting from the field, 40.3% from three, and 90.6% from the free-throw line. So her case seemed pretty secure, though Wilson spearheaded the most impressive turnaround of the season at the end.

“They gotta give Phee that MVP now, because what? Hmmmm. Gabby got how many votes?” penned another user. And yes, the buzz ain’t just about Wilson getting the award, some are even frustrated as they saw Gabby as an ideal contender. The Seattle Storm guard had been the front-runner for the award all year long. “I think her defense is something that I’m still in awe of every single game,” center and four-year teammate of Williams, Ezi Magbegor, said in a postgame press conference after defeating the Chicago Sky in a home game. “Whether it’s a key match-up or getting blocks, deflections, rebounds, she’s there… So definitely a front-runner for the Defensive Player of the Year for me and for us.”

Williams led the league with 96 total steals this season, which is also a franchise record and the third-most in a single season in W’s history. To all her teammates, this is just part of what contributes to Williams being an excellent defender. But still, just 9 votes for her?

“Worse, it’s gonna be co-MVP with Phee and A’t,” penned another spectator. Well, Collier’s halfway already. She finished second to Wilson last season despite putting together an outstanding season on both ends of the court. But since Wilson became the first player to lead in total points, rebounds, and blocks, the award went to her. Even this season is no different. While the Aces struggled early on and barely looked like a playoff team, they headed into the playoffs with a record 16-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, Wilson led all players in total points, field goals made, free throws made, and rebounds. She also ranked second in total blocks this season. So you know, both players this year stand head-to-head, and this made one user think of them sharing the title.

In the end, beyond the debates and numbers, what shines through is the passion these athletes bring to the game and the way their journeys inspire everyone watching. Whether it’s Wilson’s fierce determination or Collier’s relentless drive, their rivalry has elevated the league and given fans memories they’ll carry long after the final buzzer. Seasons like this remind us why we fall in love with basketball in the first place, not just for the trophies or the titles, but for the emotion, the resilience, and the shared moments that connect players and fans in something bigger than a single award.