Defense proved to be a key factor in this year’s WNBA Finals, with six players from the championship contenders earning spots on the 2026 All-Defensive Teams announced on Thursday.
Leading the First Team are Gabby Williams of Golden State, alongside Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard from Atlanta. They are joined by A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas, the league’s 2026 MVP, and Washington’s Shakira Austin.
Defensive Standouts Dominate Finals Lineup
The Second Team features a blend of talent from several playoff squads, including Jordin Canada of the Dream, Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton from the Valkyries, as well as Breanna Stewart of New York and Sonia Citron of the Mystics.
Among these defensive standouts, Reese’s emergence this season in Atlanta is particularly notable. She is one of only two players across both All-Defensive squads who have earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, joining three-time winner Wilson. This year also marks Reese’s first selection to the First Team, alongside first-time honorees Howard and Austin.
Reflecting on her approach to the season, 24-year-old Reese emphasized the intensity and commitment required to excel defensively: “Every game I’m treating it like it’s win or go home, and making sure I put my body out there every single night and give it my all, every little detail.”