What happened: Gabby Williams finished second in last year's Defensive Player of the Year vote and has pushed back into the mix by anchoring Golden State's defense. Wilson enters as the reigning co-winner and leads the league with 74 blocks and 127 combined steals plus blocks. Reese is averaging 16.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals through 39 games while stacking a league-best 29 double-doubles.

Why it matters: The regular season is winding down without a runaway choice in one of the league's marquee awards. Another Wilson win would move her within one of the all-time DPOY record, while a Williams or Reese breakthrough would make either player a first-time winner. The vote also pits three different defensive cases against each other: perimeter disruption, rim protection and rebounding control.

What to watch: The closing stretch should decide whether Wilson's shot blocking, Williams' point-of-attack pressure or Reese's work on the glass carries the strongest final case. Late defensive swings for Golden State, Las Vegas or Atlanta could still reorder the ballot.