Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates against the Washington Mystics during the second quarter of Game One of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

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Dream F Angel Reese named Defensive Player of the Year

What is the story about?

Just a day after the Atlanta Dream finished a sweep of the Washington Mystics to advance to their first WNBA playoff semifinals since 2018, a star player took home major silverware.

It was announced today that Angel Reese has won the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

Reese averaged 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals

and 0.7 blocks per game in her first season with the Atlanta Dream.

The 1.8 steals per game figure was third in the league behind only teammates Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada. She also led the league in rebounds per game, offensive rebounds (206) and was third in defensive rebounds (315).

Congratulations to the Beltline Barbie for this achievement!