Angel Reese makes WNBA history in her first season with Atlanta
Angel Reese made WNBA history during her first season with the Atlanta Dream. Her rebounding, defensive production and record-setting performances defined a historic 2026 campaign.
The Associated Press named Reese its Defensive Player of the Year, making her the first Dream player to receive the honor. She also set multiple WNBA records during the regular season before helping Atlanta reach the playoffs.
A major honor after her Atlanta move
The Atlanta Dream acquired Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky on April 6, 2026, in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, plus the right to swap second-round picks in 2028. Reese entered Atlanta after leading the WNBA in rebounding during each of her first two professional seasons.
She finished her first season with the Dream as the league’s rebounding leader again, averaging 12.1 rebounds per game.
Reese led the league in rebounding
The Atlanta Dream acquired Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky on April 6, 2026, in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, plus the right to swap second-round picks in 2028. Reese entered Atlanta after leading the WNBA in rebounding during each of her first two professional seasons.
She finished her first season with the Dream as the league’s rebounding leader again, averaging 12.1 rebounds per game.
Another WNBA record for double-doubles
Reese finished the 2026 regular season with 32 double-doubles, establishing a new WNBA single-season record. She averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game during her first season with Atlanta.
The double-double record added to Reese’s list of major rebounding and statistical milestones in 2026. Her performance helped make her first season with the Dream one of the most statistically significant seasons of her career.
A 26-rebound game added to the record book
Reese recorded 26 rebounds against the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2026 regular season. That performance established a WNBA record for rebounds in a single game.
She also set league single-season records for total rebounds and offensive rebounds. Those accomplishments came while Reese continued to rank among the league leaders in defensive rebounding and steals.
Her defensive numbers stood out
Reese finished third in the WNBA in steals per game during the 2026 regular season and was recognized by the Associated Press as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Her defensive production complemented her rebounding numbers throughout the season.
Reese finished the year with 77 steals, while her defensive impact contributed to a historic first season with Atlanta. She also ranked third in the league in steals per game at 1.8.
Rhyne Howard also received AP recognition
Reese was not the only Atlanta player recognized by the Associated Press. Guard Rhyne Howard joined Reese on the All-AP Second Team after a strong 2026 season.
The two became the first Dream teammates named to an AP All Team in the same season. Howard finished with 100 steals, tying the WNBA single-season record.
Interesting fact: Angel’s mother played Division I basketball at UMBC, while her brother Julian played college basketball at Maryland and later reached the NBA.
The Dream celebrated before the playoff opener
Atlanta coach Karl Smesko announced Reese’s AP Defensive Player of the Year honor to the team during pregame practice. The Dream shared video of the announcement on social media before its playoff opener against Washington.
The team also celebrated Reese and Rhyne Howard for their All-AP Second Team selections. The celebration took place before Atlanta began its postseason series at State Farm Arena.
Interesting fact: Reese was named the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after helping the Tigers capture the program’s first national title.
Atlanta entered the playoffs with 30 wins
The Dream finished the 2026 regular season with a 30-14 record. That matched the franchise record for regular-season victories established during the previous year.
Atlanta secured the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Dream also extended its postseason streak to four consecutive appearances, reaching the playoffs for the 12th time in franchise history.
Reese helped Atlanta start the playoffs strongly
Atlanta opened its first-round series against the Washington Mystics on September 27. The Dream won Game 1 by a 92-77 score at State Farm Arena.
Reese recorded 13 points and 12 rebounds in the playoff opener. She also finished with two steals and one blocked shot as Atlanta took a 1-0 series lead.
The Dream rallied after an early deficit
Atlanta trailed Washington by 11 points during Game 1 of the playoff series. The Dream responded with a strong third quarter and built a 13-point advantage that carried into the closing period.
Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 26 points, while Allisha Gray scored 22. Reese added 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Dream secured the opening victory.
Reese earned three straight weekly honors
Before receiving the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, Reese earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors for three consecutive weeks. She became the first player in Dream history to accomplish that feat.
During the final award period, Reese helped Atlanta go 4-0 while averaging 19.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. The three consecutive weekly honors highlighted her strong finish to the regular season.
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The award capped a record-setting season
Reese’s AP Defensive Player of the Year award capped her first regular season with Atlanta. She finished the year with league-leading rebounding numbers, 32 double-doubles and multiple WNBA records.
The Dream then carried that momentum into the playoffs with a Game 1 victory over Washington. Reese’s 13-point, 12-rebound performance helped Atlanta take an early series lead.
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What do you think about Angel Reese’s historic season with the Atlanta Dream? Like this post if you enjoyed following her record-setting 2026 campaign, and comment with your favorite Reese moment from the season!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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