Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese won the Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2026 season. However, the accolades didn’t stop there for the three-time All-Star.
In 43 regular season games, Reese totaled 77 steals and 315 defensive rebounds. With this, he averaged 1.8 steals and 7.3 defensive rebounds per game.
Reese is third in total steals, steals per game and total defensive rebounds, while her defensive rebounding average is fourth overall in the WNBA. However, he led the league in rebounds per game with 12.1 boards.
As a result of her incredible production on the defensive end, the WNBA named her to the All-Defensive First Team, along with Dream teammate Rhyne Howard. Shakira Austin, Gabby Williams and A’ja Wilson round out the team.
Photos by Kirby Lee-Imagn via Reuters Connect
Following the announcement, Dream made sure to celebrate the victory with a strong message about Reese.
“HE WILL COME FOR EVERYTHING HE WANTS,” Dream wrote. “First in defensive win shares and fourth in defensive rating, Angel Reese is officially part of the 2026 WNBA All-Defensive First Team.”
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Reese certainly deserves the recognition he has received. The 24-year-old was a big reason why the Dream reached the WNBA Finals after being eliminated in the first round in each of the past three seasons.
The former Chicago Sky star brought more physicality and grit to the Dream, and his accomplishments reflect that effect.
It will certainly be interesting to see if Reese can lead the Dream to a WNBA title. Atlanta has never won a championship in franchise history.
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