Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has won the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award. The announcement came immediately following the Atlanta Dream's playoff series sweep over the Washington Mystics, which propelled the franchise to its first WNBA playoff semifinals appearance since 2018.

In her first season with Atlanta, Reese averaged 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Her 1.8 steals per game ranked third in the league behind teammates Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada, while she also led the WNBA in rebounds per game and total offensive rebounds.