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Angel Reese named AP Defensive Player of the Year
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has been named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year for the 2026 season. Reese is the first player in Atlanta Dream franchise history to receive this honor.
Her historic campaign included becoming the first player in WNBA history to record 500 rebounds in a single season. She also set league records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds, and single-season double-doubles with 32. Reese led the league in rebounding with an average of 12.3 per game.
Teammate Rhyne Howard also received recognition, as both Reese and Howard earned All-AP Second Team honors, marking the first time two Dream teammates have been selected to an AP All-Team in the same season. Howard also set league records for made three-pointers and steals.
Following a regular season where Reese dealt with a facial injury during a game against the New York Liberty, she was notably absent from the injury report ahead of the Atlanta Dream's first-round playoff matchup against the Washington Mystics.
Entities
Angel Reese · Associated Press · Atlanta Dream · Rhyne Howard · WNBA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Reese set league records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds, and single-season double-doubles with 32. www.fox5atlanta.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Angel Reese was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year. www.fox5atlanta.com · olorisupergal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese both earned All-AP Second Team honors. www.fox5atlanta.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Reese led the WNBA with 12.3 rebounds per game. www.fox5atlanta.com · olorisupergal.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Reese became the first player in WNBA history to record 500 rebounds in a single season. www.fox5atlanta.com · olorisupergal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Angel Reese was not listed on the injury report prior to the Atlanta Dream's playoff game against the Washington Mystics. heavy.com