When the Atlanta Dream acquired Angel Reese, they knew they were gettingone of the best young talents in the leaguewho could score at will in the paint and get almost any rebound in her vicinity. That's exactly what she's been doing this season, but it's another skill that she's brought out that might deserve more credit than anything else.
She showed it during her time with the Chicago Sky, but Reese's defense has been on another level this season. Whether that's taking a matchup in the paint or switching out to the perimeter, opposing teams don't want to see Reese guarding them on a nightly basis. She knows how to be smart on that side of the ball, and when it's time to go for a block or steal, she takes the chance and is usually successful.
Angel Reese has the stats and passes the eye test
If you don't believe it, the stats will show you. Reese is leading the league in rebounds while also being third in steals behind her own teammates, Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada. If you're looking at the stats, there's no question that she should be the Defensive Player of the Year, but when you're doing the eye test, it feels even more justified that she deserves the award.
Wherever Reese finds herself on the floor, there's a good chance that she's ready to make a play on defense. It's allowed the Dream to be able to switch almost everything on the court, and it makes it even easier when you have other above-average talent playing at the same level.
angel reese is a phenomenal move piece on defense with stellar hands and defensive instincts, she thrives defending in disadvantage
— Ben Pfeifer (@bjpf_)August 20, 2026
13th in the league in steal rate (2.7%), 2nd among bigs only to aliyah boston. dribble and pass around her at your own risk!pic.twitter.com/tJTKUBqxst
She's turned the Dream into one of the best defenses in the league this season, and they've been able to lean on that side of the ball when the offense is shaky. The impact she has alone should make her a real candidate for the award, but she has other competition as well.
Angel Reese has competition for DPOY
Gabby Williams has been playing at another level on that side of the ball and many would say that she's the favorite as of now. The Golden State Valkyries areone of the better teams in the leaguethis season, and it's safe to say their defense has led them most of the way. Williams is the key, and whether it's been on the perimeter or against players bigger than her, she knows how to get a stop.
The other player in the running is A'ja Wilson, unsurprisingly. As special as she is on offense, she's always been one of the best defensive players in the league, and she's continuing that run this season. She's leading the league in blocks, and everyone knows that when she's in the paint, there will definitely be a contest.
Reese has a few more games to add to her resume, but by now, most people probably know who they're going to pick for the award. Reese should definitely be in the picture, and she should be the winner when it's all settled.
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