Breanna Stewart named AP WNBA player of the year. Is MVP next?
SEATTLE — Breanna Stewart won the Associated Press WNBA Player of the Year award, which perhaps is a bit of foreshadowing for what’s ahead for the Storm star who is vying for several league postseason honors.
Stewart, who led the WNBA in scoring for the first time in her career averaging 21.8 points per game, received six votes for AP Player of the Year by the 10-member media panel, narrowly edging Las Vegas Aces standout A’ja Wilson, who collected four votes.
Stewart, who won the award in 2018, is the first two-time winner since the AP began voting in 2016.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as the best in the league,” Stewart told the AP. “Since I started in the WNBA in 2016, (I’ve been) just trying to get better. Elevate myself and the team, the league as a whole. A big honor, but we’re motivated by more, and that’s trying to win a championship.”
Stewart, who averaged 7.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks, guided the No. 4 seed Storm to a 22-14 record and a first-round playoff matchup against against No. 5 seed Washington that begins Thursday at Climate Pledge Arena.
Wilson, who claimed the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, led Las Vegas to a league-best tying 26-10 record, the No. 1 seed and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Aces star averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks.
Stewart and Wilson were voted to the AP All-WNBA first team along with Kelsey Plum, Candace Parker and Sabrina Ionescu.
The AP All-WNBA second team includes: Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Vandersloot and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard, who claimed the AP Rookie of the Year award, highlights the AP Rookie team that also includes: NaLyssa Smith, Shakira Austin, Rebekah Gardner, Sam Thomas.
Other AP winners include: Tanisha Wright (Coach of the Year), Jackie Young (Most Improved Player), Alyssa Thomas (Comeback Player) and Brionna Jones (Sixth Woman of the Year).
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
The United States' Brittney Griner plays during a women's basketball preliminary round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayThe United States' Brittney Griner plays during a women's basketball preliminary round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States' Brittney Griner, left, and teammate Skylar Diggins pose with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States' Brittney Griner, left, and teammate Skylar Diggins pose with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseSteve Marcus
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, left, reacts after making a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage (8) is at right. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
Steve MarcusPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, left, reacts after making a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage (8) is at right. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds casePaul Beaty
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) elbows Chicago Sky's Stevanie Dolson (31) during the second half in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 80-74 to become the WNBA Champions. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Paul BeatyPhoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) elbows Chicago Sky's Stevanie Dolson (31) during the second half in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 80-74 to become the WNBA Champions. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States' Brittney Griner runs up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States' Brittney Griner runs up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States' Brittney Griner flexes her muscle after making a basket during a women's basketball quarterfinal round game against Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States' Brittney Griner flexes her muscle after making a basket during a women's basketball quarterfinal round game against Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRoss D. Franklin
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ross D. FranklinPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseLM Otero
In this March 4, 2013, file photo, Baylor center Brittney Griner celebrates after she scored 50 points during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State in Waco, Texas. Griner was selected as The Associated Press' women's college basketball player of the year on April 6, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM OteroIn this March 4, 2013, file photo, Baylor center Brittney Griner celebrates after she scored 50 points during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State in Waco, Texas. Griner was selected as The Associated Press' women's college basketball player of the year on April 6, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseGerald Herbert
Baylor's Brittney Griner holds up a Phoenix Mercury shirt as she poses next to The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year trophy during a news conference at the Women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gerald HerbertBaylor's Brittney Griner holds up a Phoenix Mercury shirt as she poses next to The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year trophy during a news conference at the Women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseTony Gutierrez
Baylor's Brittney Griner jokes around as she poses for photographers with the 2013 Big 12 Championship sign on March 11, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony GutierrezBaylor's Brittney Griner jokes around as she poses for photographers with the 2013 Big 12 Championship sign on March 11, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
In this March, 2012, file photo, Baylor's Brittney Griner grabs a rebound in front of Tennessee's Glory Johnson during an NCAA college basketball tournament regional final in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallIn this March, 2012, file photo, Baylor's Brittney Griner grabs a rebound in front of Tennessee's Glory Johnson during an NCAA college basketball tournament regional final in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
United States's Brittney Griner (15) drives to the basket past Japan's Maki Takada (8) during a women's gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayUnited States's Brittney Griner (15) drives to the basket past Japan's Maki Takada (8) during a women's gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States's Brittney Griner poses with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States's Brittney Griner poses with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
United States' Brittney Griner takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayUnited States' Brittney Griner takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseLuca Bruno
United States' Brittney Griner walks up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Luca BrunoUnited States' Brittney Griner walks up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRick Scuteri
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner during the WNBA basketball playoffs against the New York Liberty, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Phoenix. Phoenix won 83-82. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick ScuteriPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner during the WNBA basketball playoffs against the New York Liberty, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Phoenix. Phoenix won 83-82. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseElaine Thompson
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner motions after a teammate scored against the Seattle Storm in the second half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Elaine ThompsonPhoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner motions after a teammate scored against the Seattle Storm in the second half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseDavid Becker
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 2 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
David BeckerPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 2 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds casePaul Beaty
Chicago Sky's Candace Parker, right, is defended by Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner during the second half of Game 3 of basketball's WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 86-50. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Paul BeatyChicago Sky's Candace Parker, right, is defended by Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner during the second half of Game 3 of basketball's WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 86-50. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRalph Freso
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) looks to pass as Chicago Sky center Candace Parker defends during the first half of game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals on Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Ralph FresoPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) looks to pass as Chicago Sky center Candace Parker defends during the first half of game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals on Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRalph Freso
Phoenix Mercury center Kia Vaughn (1) talks with teammates Shey Peddy (5), Skylar Diggins-Smith (4) and Brittney Griner during the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals against the Chicago Sky, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Ralph FresoPhoenix Mercury center Kia Vaughn (1) talks with teammates Shey Peddy (5), Skylar Diggins-Smith (4) and Brittney Griner during the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals against the Chicago Sky, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds casePaul Beaty
Chicago Sky's Kahleah Copper (2) goes up to shoot the basketball against Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) and Kia Vaughn (1) during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Paul BeatyChicago Sky's Kahleah Copper (2) goes up to shoot the basketball against Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) and Kia Vaughn (1) during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
United States' Brittney Griner shoots during a preliminary round women's basketball game against Nigeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayUnited States' Brittney Griner shoots during a preliminary round women's basketball game against Nigeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseMichael Conroy
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots over Indiana Fever forward Teaira McCowan (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michael ConroyPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots over Indiana Fever forward Teaira McCowan (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRick Scuteri
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is shown during the first half of Game 2 of basketball's WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky, Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick ScuteriPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is shown during the first half of Game 2 of basketball's WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky, Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseChase Stevens
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots next to Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage, obscured, during the first half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball playoff series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chase Stevens)
Chase StevensPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots next to Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage, obscured, during the first half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball playoff series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chase Stevens)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseMatt York
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, left, watches practice with teammate Diana Taurasi on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Matt YorkPhoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, left, watches practice with teammate Diana Taurasi on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseTony Gutierrez
Baylor's Brittney Griner pauses as she responds to a reporter's question as head coach Kim Mulkey, right, watches during a news conference following their second-round game against Florida State in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 85-47. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony GutierrezBaylor's Brittney Griner pauses as she responds to a reporter's question as head coach Kim Mulkey, right, watches during a news conference following their second-round game against Florida State in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 85-47. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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Breanna Stewart named AP WNBA player of the year. Is MVP next?Steph Chambers/Getty Images North America/TNS
Breanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm reacts after her three point basket in overtime against the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena on May 27, 2022, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images/TNS)
Steph Chambers/Getty Images North America/TNSBreanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm reacts after her three point basket in overtime against the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena on May 27, 2022, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images/TNS)
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