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Ariel Atkins and Natasha Cloud named to All-WNBA Defensive First Team

This isn’t their first time as defensive team members. But it’s their first as All-WNBA First teamers.

By Albert Lee
/ new
Washington Mystics v Seattle Storm - Game Two
BEST LOCKDOWN BACKCOURT IN THE WNBA!
Photo by Jane Gershovich/NBAE via Getty Images

On Tuesday, the WNBA named Washington Mystics guards Ariel Atkins and Natasha Cloud to the All-WNBA Defensive First team. Atkins has made the Defensive Team five teams and Cloud two times for their careers. But this is their first time making the first defensive team.

Cloud also earned two votes for Defensive Player of the Year, tied for fifth in the WNBA. Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson won the award this year.

It is not a surprise to see that Atkins and Cloud have made the defensive team, because Washington finished with the WNBA’s best team defensive rating. They have long been regarded as some of the best defenders at their positions, and it is a welcome honor.

Here is the complete list of players who made the Defensive teams.

First Team

  • A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
  • Natasha Cloud, Washington Mystics
  • Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx
  • Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
  • Ariel Atkins, Washington Mystics

Second Team

  • Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun
  • Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
  • Jonquel Jones, Connecticut Sun
  • Brittney Sykes, Los Angeles Sparks
  • Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm

CONGRATULATIONS!

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