Angel Reese reveals Dream teammates who deserve Defensive Player of the Year as much as her

4 weeks ago 10

Angel Reese is the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year -- and the vote wasn't really close.

Reese on Thursday became the first player in Atlanta Dream history to win the WNBA's top individual award for defense. Unlike last season, when A'ja Wilson and Alanna Smith tied for and shared Defensive Player of the Year honors, Reese was the clear winner this time: she received 46 out of 74 votes for the award.

THE DPOY IS IN THE 🅰️

Angel Reese is YOUR 2026 Kia Defensive Player of the Year! She’s now the FIRST in Atlanta Dream history to receive the honor.

Atlanta, let's celebrate AR5 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eKqs7NK7Bj

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) October 1, 2026

Golden State Valkyries guard Gabby Williams placed second with 20 votes, while Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson finished third with four votes received.

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Upon being notified that she had won Defensive Player of the Year, Reese explained that two of her teammates -- Jordin Canada and All-Star guard Rhyne Howard -- were good enough to share this award with her.

“I have the trophy, but I definitely want Jordin and Rhyne to sign it because I think they deserve it just as much as I do," Reese said in a statement announcing her win. "I’m grateful for Atlanta, I’m grateful for my teammates and my coaches and all the supporting staff that supports us. This is just the beginning.”

Howard, Canada and Reese finished first, second and third respectively in steals this season. But only Reese and Howard (with one) received DPOY votes.

Nonetheless, it speaks highly of Reese that she was quick to credit Canada and Howard for the cohesion that the Dream has enjoyed defensively.

Reese may be the standout, but Atlanta as a whole finished second in defensive rating during the regular season and boasted the league's third-best net rating. The Dream led the league in steals and finished second in rebounding.

Reese deserves this award. But the efforts of the Dream overall are a big reason why she was able to win it.