Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson compete for 2026 DPOY in WNBA
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 10:38 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson are emerging as top contenders for the Defensive Player of the Year award as the WNBA regular season approaches its conclusion. Reese leads the league with 12.4 rebounds per game and 2.88 defensive win shares, while Wilson ties for the league lead in blocks at 2.0 per game. Both players have their strengths; Wilson's established reputation and rim protection contrast with Reese's impressive statistical performance and defensive impact. Discussions around the award are open, with ongoing evaluations from various analysts that consider both players' contributions. As the playoffs draw closer, their defensive values are gaining more attention in the league.
- •Reese leads WNBA in rebounds per game with 12.4.
- •Wilson averages 2.0 blocks per game, tied for league lead.
- •Reese holds a slight edge in defensive win shares with 2.88.
- •Wilson is a three-time DPOY winner with strong career achievements.
- •Analysts are closely watching both players as playoffs near.
- 10:38 PMYahoo Sports — “A Crucial Factor”: Angel Reese Chosen Over A’ja Wilson for WNBA DPOY As Analyst Reveals Major Reason
- 4:25 PMYahoo Sports — Angel Reese Is Making A’ja Wilson’s DPOY Case a Lot Harder to Ignore
"Defensive Player of the Year races are usually shaped by the possessions that stand out. Blocks get replayed, rebounds end threats and elite defenders earn reputations that can follow them for years. The 2026 race has become harder to read because two of its biggest names are making their cases in very different ways. Angel [...]
"Angel Reese and A’Ja Wilson appear to be the frontrunners for this season’s WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award. However, for SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell, the Bayou Barbie has the edge over the three-time DPOY. In an article posted on SB Nation on Wednesday, Dalzell shared why Reese is more favored than Wilson in [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 10:38 PM“A Crucial Factor”: Angel Reese Chosen Over A’ja Wilson for WNBA DPOY As Analyst Reveals Major Reason
Angel Reese and A’Ja Wilson appear to be the frontrunners for this season’s WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award. However, for SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell, the Bayou Barbie has the edge over the three-time DPOY. In an article posted on SB Nation on Wednesday, Dalzell shared why Reese is more favored than Wilson in [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 4:25 PMAngel Reese Is Making A’ja Wilson’s DPOY Case a Lot Harder to Ignore
Defensive Player of the Year races are usually shaped by the possessions that stand out. Blocks get replayed, rebounds end threats and elite defenders earn reputations that can follow them for years. The 2026 race has become harder to read because two of its biggest names are making their cases in very different ways. Angel [...]
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