| # | Player | Team | STL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhyne Howard | ATL | 2.3 |
| 2 | Jordin Canada | ATL | 1.9 |
| 3 | Angel Reese | ATL | 1.8 |
| 4 | Azzi Fudd | DAL | 1.7 |
| 5 | Kayla McBride | MIN | 1.7 |
| 6 | Natasha Howard | MIN | 1.7 |
| 7 | Leila Lacan | CON | 1.7 |
| 8 | Gabby Williams | GS | 1.7 |
| 9 | Ariel Atkins | LA | 1.7 |
| 10 | Napheesa Collier | MIN | 1.6 |
| 11 | Veronica Burton | GS | 1.6 |
| 12 | Bridget Carleton | POR | 1.6 |
| 13 | Aliyah Boston | IND | 1.5 |
| 14 | Dearica Hamby | LA | 1.5 |
| 15 | A'ja Wilson | LV | 1.5 |
| 16 | Emily Engstler | POR | 1.4 |
| 17 | Flau'jae Johnson | SEA | 1.4 |
| 18 | Alyssa Thomas | PHX | 1.4 |
| 19 | Breanna Stewart | NY | 1.4 |
| 20 | Julie Allemand | TOR | 1.4 |
| 21 | Chelsea Gray | LV | 1.3 |
| 22 | Brittney Sykes | TOR | 1.3 |
| 23 | Allisha Gray | ATL | 1.3 |
| 24 | Olivia Miles | MIN | 1.3 |
| 25 | Sabrina Ionescu | NY | 1.3 |
Stats from BALLDONTLIE, refreshed through the day.
Defensive Player of the Year Evidence
Steals per game is the loudest number in the defensive award conversation, though it favors gamblers over positional defenders. Read it next to the blocks board for the fuller case.