Angel Reese for DPOY? Why Dream star deserves award over A'ja Wilson

The Atlanta Dream have been on a remarkable upswing in the 2026 WNBA season, winning eight of their last ten games and closing in on second place in the league standings. Central to this resurgence is forward Angel Reese, whose defensive prowess has quietly become one of the league's most impactful stories.

Reese, a former LSU standout, has been a consistent force on both ends of the court since the All-Star break, averaging 16.4 points and 13.7 rebounds. However, it is her defensive contributions that have set her apart, even though she has not received the same level of recognition as some of her peers.

While bookmakers currently favor A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, several advanced metrics suggest Reese’s case may be equally compelling, if not stronger. Reese ranks fifth in steals and just outside the top 20 in blocks, figures that on the surface appear modest compared to Wilson’s No. 1 ranking in blocks and solid placement in steals. Yet, when evaluating the overall impact on her team’s defense, Reese’s influence becomes clearer.

According to analysis by Nekias Duncan of Yahoo Sports, Reese has the highest defensive rating on-off differential in the league. Atlanta’s defense concedes nine more points per 100 possessions when Reese is off the floor. Her defensive rating itself stands at 102.0, the fifth best in the WNBA, underscoring her ability to limit opposing teams’ scoring opportunities while logging nearly 1,000 minutes before the Dream's mid-August matchup with the Fever.

Film study reveals Reese’s strengths in multiple facets of defense. She exhibits excellent mobility and quick hands, frequently disrupting pick-and-roll plays and forcing turnovers. Her wingspan and anticipation allow her to generate numerous steals and deflections, creating momentum-changing sequences for the Dream. Additionally, she defends the paint effectively despite conceding some height advantage to opposing post players, using her positioning and timing to block shots and contest scoring attempts.

Though Reese is among the league’s elite defenders, she may not be the absolute best on a per-possession basis. Valkyries center Kiah Stokes boasts outstanding defensive stats, including the lowest field-goal percentage allowed on paint contests and top rankings in defensive win shares and rating. Stokes’ limited minutes compared to Reese and Wilson may factor into voters’ considerations, as longevity and sustained impact over a full season often weigh heavily in award decisions.

Other noteworthy defensive standouts this season include Valkyries’ Gabby Williams and Mystics’ Shakira Austin, who have also made significant contributions. Guards Rhyne Howard and Veronica Burton have impressed defensively but are less likely to mount a serious campaign for DPOY, especially given the historical trend favoring forwards and centers for the honor.

Reese’s role has benefitted from playing alongside teammates with strong defensive reputations, such as Howard, Jordin Canada, and Allisha Gray, all known for their tenacity and technique. This defensive collective effort has elevated the Dream’s overall performance and positioned Atlanta as a legitimate contender.

Despite Wilson’s status as the presumed frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, having secured the award three times in the past five seasons, Reese’s all-around defensive impact tells a compelling story. As Atlanta pushes towards a potential championship run, Reese’s contributions on defense may ultimately prove invaluable, making her a deeply deserving candidate for this season’s top defensive honor.

The 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year race remains closely contested, but Angel Reese’s blend of statistical dominance, on-court influence, and integral role in the Dream’s ascendancy presents a fresh narrative that challenges the prevailing expectations.