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Atlanta Dream All-Star Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese captured the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2026 season, securing 46 of the 74 votes cast by a media panel. Reese made history as the initial player from the franchise to earn the honor during her debut campaign with the team, outpacing runner-up Gabby Williams and third-place finisher A'ja Wilson.

During her 43 regular-season appearances, the forward averaged 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals while pacing the league in total rebounds and double-doubles.

Following a trade from the Chicago Sky in April, Reese credited Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko with elevating her defensive and rebounding contributions alongside stellar backcourt defenders Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada. Meanwhile, Minnesota Lynx leader Cheryl Reeve captured WNBA Coach of the Year honors for a record fifth time.

Throughout the campaign, Reese also set a new WNBA single-game mark by grabbing 26 total rebounds and became the fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 career rebounds.

Up nextWNBA· 10h ago

Atlanta Dream celebrate Angel Reese after AP Defensive Player of the Year honor