archiveWNBA Defense

DHJ Quick Take: Minnesota Reunion Defensive Restoration: Alanna Smith, the reigning 2025 WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, anchors a new-look Wings defense after leading Minnesota to the top-rated defense in the league last season. The Reeve Effect: Jessica Shepard brings five years of experience under Cheryl Reeve, focusing on...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream Primer Arc Security: Jose Fernandez and Paige Bueckers both identified Atlanta’s transition three-point hunting as the top defensive priority. With Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard leading the break, Dallas must shore up the perimeter discipline that wavered late in the...

DHJ Quick Take: Allisha Gray, Angel Reese Preview Dallas Wings Respect & Marketability: Angel Reese reflected on her storied "Class of 2020" respect with Paige Bueckers, noting how their shared platform continues to elevate the league's visibility as they lead the WNBA’s new era. Transition Focus: Allisha Gray identified transition...

DHJ Quick Take: The Battle for the Boards Containing the "Double-Double Queen": After Angel Reese opened her Dream tenure with 14 rebounds, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard are tasked with neutralizing her second-chance energy. Smith’s focus on "limiting Reese on the glass" is the game's swing factor; if Dallas can...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Gear Up for Home Opener Pace vs. Protection: The Wings' high-octane offense (107 points in the opener) faces its first structural test against an Atlanta team that thrived in transition last year. Paige Bueckers identified "slowing the fast break" as the top priority, noting that...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Injury Updates The Frontcourt Anchor: Alanna Smith’s status is the most significant hurdle for the Wings heading into Indianapolis. A nasal fracture sustained from an A'ja Wilson elbow means Smith will be fitted for a protective mask, but her absence from practice leaves a void...

DHJ Quick Take: Wings-Fever Takeaways Before Tipoff Managed Workloads: In his unofficial WNBA debut, Jose Fernandez is prioritizing "the big picture" over preseason results. Expect heavy minutes dispersion between the first and second halves, with a focus on evaluating the full roster rather than overextending the active core of Paige...