After main the WNBA in scoring for the primary time in her profession with a 21.8 point-per-game common, Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart was named 2022 WNBA Player of the Year by the Associated Press. She additionally gained the award in 2018, making Stewart the primary participant in WNBA historical past to be named Participant of the 12 months twice in a profession.
It was an in depth race between Stewart and Los Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, as the 2 almost cut up the 10-member media panel vote. Stewart simply edged out Wilson, successful six votes to 4. Wilson averaged 19.5 factors and 9.4 rebounds per sport on 50.1 % taking pictures for the Aces, who completed the common season tied with the Chicago Sky for the perfect report within the League.
Stewart posted 21.8 factors, 7.6 rebounds, and a couple of.9 assists per sport on 47.2 % taking pictures from the sector in the course of the common season to guide Seattle to the No. 4 seed within the WNBA Playoffs. It’s been a giant yr for Stewart, who, on high of her on-the-court accolades, turned the primary girl to have a signature sneaker in a decade with the reveal of the PUMA Stewie 1 in July.
“It’s an honor to be acknowledged as the perfect within the league,” Stewart informed the AP. “Since I began within the WNBA in 2016, simply making an attempt to get higher. Elevate myself and the workforce, the League as a complete. An enormous honor, however we’re motivated by extra, and that’s making an attempt to win a championship.”
Nevertheless, Wilson didn’t depart empty-handed, because the four-time All-Star was awarded AP Defensive Participant of the 12 months after averaging 1.9 blocks and 1.4 steals per sport. Her Aces teammate Jackie Young obtained Most Improved Participant whereas Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright turned the primary former WNBA participant to win AP Coach of the 12 months.
Different award recipients included a pair of Connecticut Solar teammates, Brionna Jones and Alyssa Thomas. Jones, who averaged 13.8 factors, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per sport, earned Sixth Lady of the 12 months honors. Compared, Thomas gained Comeback Participant of the 12 months after averaging 13.4 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists following an Achilles damage.
Atlanta Dream ahead Rhyne Howard rounded out the checklist of winners, as the previous No. 1 general choose racked up 16.4 factors and 4.6 rebounds per sport final season.
The WNBA Playoffs start on Wednesday, beginning with the No. 2 seed Sky dealing with off in opposition to the No. 7 seed New York Liberty at 8 p.m. The No. 1 seed Aces will then face the No. 8 seed, Phoenix Mercury, at 10 p.m.
Images by way of Getty Photographs.
