Angel Reese on Thursday won WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

It is her first nod for the coveted award. It almost certainly will not be her last.

Reese earned 46 of 74 possible votes for Defensive Player of the Year, and she is the first player in Atlanta Dream history to win it. The news comes less than 24 hours after Reese put up 15 points and seven rebounds to help the Dream defeat the Washington Mystics in Game 2 of their first-round series; the 93-75 win put Atlanta into the WNBA semifinals for the first time this decade.

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

Reese's activity level and overall defensive impact are nearly unparalleled in the WNBA, and her April trade to Atlanta only saw her enhance these qualities.

@latto certified. MISS DPOY. pic.twitter.com/emLO99fGOV

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) October 1, 2026

Five stats that made Angel Reese the Defensive Player of the Year

For the third year in a row, Reese led the WNBA in rebounds at 12.1 per game, and her 30.3 defensive rebound percentage placed second in the league.

That means, when Reese was on the floor during the regular season, she hauled in more than 30 percent of all defensive rebounds in those minutes.

For the first time in her career, Reese was among the league's top thieves; her 77 steals were good for third in the WNBA. Only Atlanta teammates Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada had more.

Reese's individual consistency and excellence trickled down to her teammates. Her 100.0 defensive rating was the fourth-best in the league. Ironically, Gabby Williams -- who finished a distant second in DPOY voting -- was second in defensive efficiency with a 99.5 mark.

Atlanta's 104.5 defensive rating ranked second in the WNBA, and the group only has gotten better and more connected as the season has gone along.

Including the playoffs, the Dream has won seven consecutive games, including the past six by double digits. Atlanta has a 19-4 record since July 13.

More WNBA news: