Dream's Angel Reese has done enough to win WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

The regular season has concluded for the Atlanta Dream, and the franchise secured its second successive 30-win campaign by sweeping a back-to-back with the New York Liberty.

The Dream's 83-65 win over the Liberty saw Atlanta clinch the No.4 seed in the WNBA playoffs, and Atlanta's opponent will be decided Thursday night, when the final batch of regular-season games is played.

Though Angel Reese played just 17 minutes after Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu swiped at her, the Dream's All-Star forward put together her closing argument to win Defensive Player of the Year honors.

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In 17 minutes on Wednesday night, the Dream had a 74 defensive rating when Reese was on the floor. That means, over 100 possessions, Atlanta would have allowed 74 points with Reese roaming around the paint.

It's consistent with how the Dream has defended all season since acquiring Reese in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Sky. Reese has the WNBA's fourth-best defensive rating: 100 points per 100 possessions.

In securing her third consecutive rebounding title, Reese further cemented herself as the WNBA's greatest-ever rebounder in only her third professional season. She already has become the only player in WNBA history to achieve a 500-rebound season.

Angel Reese now has the 2nd most rebounding titles in WNBA HISTORY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7SOpjS0H8p

Reese is much more than just her rebounds, though. Her 77 steals in 2026 are a new record for a center. In ascending order, Reese, Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard are the WNBA's top three thieves -- and they all play in Atlanta.

Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams will be the popular choice to win Defensive Player of the Year. Williams has a great case herself, and her victory in the race wouldn't be a shock.

However, the body of work Reese leaves behind in 2026 is overwhelming, and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy for the 24-year-old would be a just reward for the improvements she has made to her game in Atlanta.

More WNBA news:

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• Why Jordin Canada is the Dream's unsung hero as Atlanta gears up for WNBA playoff run

• Caitlin Clark and Fever get one more Lynx test, with playoff position still at stake

• Why Tempo-Sun matchup could be the most significant game of the 2026 WNBA season