Lisa Leslie named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

Sep 19, 2008 - 9:32 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie was named the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year on Friday, garnering 20 of 43 votes to win the honor for the second time in her career.

The 36-year-old star led the league with 2.94 blocks per game and was second with 8.9 rebounds per game - behind only teammate Candace Parker. Leslie also ranked 13th with 1.48 steals per contest - best in the WNBA among centers.

She easily beat out Detroit Shock guard Katie Smith, who finished a distant second in voting with five.

Leslie, a three-time league Most Valuable Player who has led the Sparks to two WNBA championships, first won the award in 2004. This year, her efforts helped lead the Sparks back to the postseason after missing out the last two seasons. They finished the regular season at 20-14, good for third in the Western Conference.