Angel Reese, forward for the Atlanta Dream, has been named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, a milestone achievement for both the player and the franchise. Reese secured the award on Thursday, receiving 46 out of 74 votes from sportswriters and broadcasters, decisively outpacing Golden State’s Gabby Williams, who earned 20 votes, and the two-time winner A’ja Wilson, who garnered four votes.
Angel Reese Locks Up WNBA DPOY Nod with Record-Breaking Year
Reese’s defensive dominance this season was underscored by a series of groundbreaking statistical achievements. She set a new WNBA single-season record with 521 rebounds, averaging an impressive 12.1 rebounds per game, the highest in the league this year. Her 206 offensive rebounds also smashed the previous record, highlighting her relentless presence on the glass.
In addition, Reese’s extraordinary 26-rebound game against the LA Sparks in August established a new single-game WNBA record. Her defensive prowess extended beyond rebounding, as she ranked among the top three in steals with 1.8 per game and led the league in defensive win shares, posting an outstanding 3.39.
Reese’s impact on the court was not limited to individual statistics. The Atlanta Dream’s defensive rating fell by nearly eight points per 100 possessions when she was off the floor, emphasizing her critical role in the team’s defensive strategy and overall performance.
Having led the league in rebounds across all three of her professional seasons, Reese’s 2026 campaign has earned her the highest recognition for defensive excellence in the WNBA, marking a significant chapter in her career and for the Atlanta Dream franchise.