Angel Reese and two of her Atlanta Dream teammates earned All-Defensive team honors on Thursday, with the franchise tying the Golden State Valkyries for having three players selected across both defensive squads. Reese secured a spot on the First Team alongside Rhyne Howard, while Jordin Canada received Second Team recognition.
Reese’s inclusion on the First Team was widely anticipated after she captured the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award. Following the announcement that two more of her teammates joined her on the defensive lists, Allisha Gray shared an enthusiastic reaction on social media, declaring that opponents would steal gear right off their bodies. Ahead of the series, Reese commented on how she has handled the moment so far.
Reese and the rest of the Dream squad are currently preparing for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. This marks the fourth time in franchise history that the team has reached the championship round, having last appeared in the finals back in 2013.
Angel Reese has delivered an exceptional debut season in Atlanta, maintaining averages of 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per contest. During her initial playoff run, she elevated those numbers to 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, serving as a primary catalyst for the team’s postseason success. Caitlin Clark Delivers 4-Word Boost To Aliyah Boston After Fever Star’s Knee Surgery Success. Get Amber and Kelly out of Indy”: Fever Fans Rip Front Office After Aliyah Boston Undergoes Surgery Following Season-Long Pain. Making them one of the most exciting teams in the postseason, she has been the difference maker for the Dream.
The Dream are scheduled to host Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, moving away from College Park Center to accommodate larger crowds at the home arena of the Atlanta Hawks. Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is set for Sunday, featuring Reese alongside fellow finals debutants Gabby Williams and Cecilia Zandalasini of the Valkyries.
