The Atlanta Dream have wrapped up their regular season, securing their second straight 30-win year after sweeping a two-game series against the New York Liberty. Their latest 83-65 victory earned them the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs, with their first-round opponent to be determined after the final games of the regular season conclude Thursday night.
In that game, despite only logging 17 minutes following a challenge from Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Dream All-Star Angel Reese made a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year. During her time on the court, Atlanta held an impressive defensive rating of 74—meaning they allowed just 74 points per 100 possessions with Reese patrolling the paint.
Since joining Atlanta in a major trade with the Chicago Sky, Reese has consistently been a defensive powerhouse, boasting the fourth-best defensive rating in the league at 100 points per 100 possessions. Her dominance extends beyond defense; Reese secured her third straight rebounding title, solidifying her status as one of the best rebounders in WNBA history. She has also become the only player to record a 500-rebound season.
Reese’s impact is not limited to rebounds. She set a new record for steals by a center with 77 in the 2026 season and ranks alongside teammates Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard as one of the top three steal leaders in the league—all hailing from Atlanta. While Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams is a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year and would be a worthy recipient, Reese’s overall performance throughout 2026 presents a compelling argument for her to take home the award. At just 24 years old, Reese’s growth and defensive dominance in Atlanta highlight her as a game-changing talent in the WNBA.
Fan Take: Angel Reese’s rise as a defensive titan is exciting for WNBA fans, as it highlights the league’s growing talent and intensifies the playoff race. Her ability to impact games on both ends of the floor not only elevates the Dream’s competitiveness but also raises the bar for defensive excellence across the league, signaling bright things ahead for the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
