Looking At Phoenix's All-Defensive Team History

Defense plays an important role in a team's success, and it usually leads to championships. The Phoenix Mercury can attest to this, as some of their top players have been recognized for their defense. Alyssa Thomas is an example, and last year, she was involved in the Defensive Player of the Year race. She was fourth, and she received three points. While she did not win the award, she was still acknowledged for her efforts. Thomas was a part of the All-Defensive First Team, and she was alongside stellar defenders like A'ja Wilson and Alanna Smith. In 2024, the Mercury had a player make an All-Defensive Team, as Natasha Cloud made the Second Team. She was joined by Thomas, who was playing for the Connecticut Sun, Smith, Nneka Ogwumike and Jonquel Jones. The Mercury have had some great defenders, and the last time two players made the All-Defensive Teams was in 2021. Brianna Turner made the First Team, and that was a season where she averaged 1.3 blocks. That was her second year in a row receiving that honor,