Dream's Angel Reese has done enough to win WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
She might not win the award, but Reese's body of work would make her a deserving recipient.
In the final game of the Atlanta Dream's 30-win regular season campaign, Angel Reese had a significant impact despite playing only 17 minutes. The Dream secured their second consecutive 30-win season by sweeping a back-to-back against the New York Liberty, clinching the No.4 seed in the WNBA playoffs. Though Reese's defensive rating was 100 points per 100 possessions during her limited time on the court, her performance demonstrated the Dream's strong defense throughout the season.
Reese's third consecutive rebounding title further solidified her status as the WNBA's greatest-ever rebounder in her third professional season. With 77 steals in 2026, Reese also holds the record for most steals by a center in the league. While Golden State's Gabby Williams is a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, Reese's impressive body of work in 2026 makes a Defensive Player of the Year award a fitting acknowledgment of her growth and contributions to the Atlanta Dream.
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