Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has been named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, making her the first player in franchise history to receive the honor.
Reese had a remarkable defensive and rebounding season in 2026, setting multiple league records and helping Atlanta reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
She became the first player in WNBA history to record 500 rebounds in a single season and finished with the highest rebounding average in the league. Reese's teammate
Rhyne Howard also had a standout season, tying the WNBA record for steals and setting a league record for made three-pointers. Together, Reese and Howard helped the Dream secure a playoff spot and will face the Washington Mystics in the first round.
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