For the seventh consecutive season, Breanna Stewart got recognized as one of the league’s best defensive players.
The Liberty star was selected to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team, the league announced Thursday.
Stewart joined Golden State’s Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and Washington’s Sonia Cintron for second-team honors.
Atlanta Dream superstar and Defensive Player of the Winner Angel Reese headlined the All-Defensive First Team, which also included teammate Rhyne Howard, Washington’s Shakira Austin, Golden State’s Gabby Williams and Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson.
For Stewart, Thursday’s announcement of the second-team honor made it the first time the two-time MVP didn’t get named to All-Defensive First Team since 2021.
And the 6-4 talent has been on an All-Defensive Team each season dating back to 2020 — her fourth season with the Seattle Storm.
Stewart also was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in her rookie season (2016) with the Storm. She earned Rookie of the Year and placed sixth in MVP voting that season, too.
In 2026, Stewart earned the All-Defensive Second Team nod after averaging 6.8 defensive rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in 42 appearances with the Liberty. Her 20.8 points and 3.3 assists per game also came with Stewart as the focal point on both ends of the court.
Stewart’s length and defensive ability allowed Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco to deploy a zone defense with the long-limbed star disrupting opposing offenses anywhere on the court.
And she smothered most opponents — on the perimeter and in the paint — in any 1-on-1 coverage.
During the regular season, the Liberty ranked seventh in points allowed per game (86.4) and opponent’s field goal percentage (44.8).
The league announced Stewart on the second team a day after the news of Liberty rookie Pauline Astier making the WNBA All-Rookie Team.