WNBA announces huge Angel Reese news after Dream sweep

Angel Reese is likely on cloud nine after the Atlanta Dream beat the Washington Mystics in a sweep during the WNBA playoffs. The Dream notched a Game 2 win over the Mystics on Wednesday, 93-75, which takes them to the semifinals.

So, as if that wasn't reason enough to smile, Reese has one more reason to celebrate. Reese had 13 points with 12 rebounds during the game, and while the double-digit points were impressive, she's really known for being a strong defensive player. That's where this new honor comes in.

Angel Reese wins WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

On Thursday, the WNBA officially announced that Reese is the league's 2026 Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. That makes her the first player in Dream franchise history to win the league's No. 1 individual defensive award.

In a clip shared on X by Reese, her mom is seen presenting her with the trophy during a team meeting. Atlanta rapper Latto did the voice-over in the clip.

"I have the trophy, but I definitely want Jordin and Rhyne to sign it because I think they deserve it just as much as I do," Reese said according to CBS News, talking about fellow Dream players Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard. "I'm grateful for Atlanta, I'm grateful for my teammates and my coaches and all the supporting staff that supports us. This is just the beginning."

According to research from Fox 5 Atlanta, Reese "finished the regular season leading the league in Defensive Win Shares with 3.39 and ranked fourth in defensive rating at 100.0."

"Atlanta allowed 7.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with Reese on the floor, marking the largest defensive on-and-off differential among Dream rotation players," Fox 5 Atlanta adds.

She also ranked fourth in the WNBA with 7.3 defensive rebounds per game, per Fox 5.

So, Reese is really unstoppable right now. She and the Dream will face the New York Liberty on Sunday.