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League: WNBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Angel Reese and Veronica Burton lead 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year debate

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 10:05 PM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Angel Reese and Veronica Burton lead 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year debate
Summary

The 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year race includes Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream and Veronica Burton from the Golden State Valkyries. Reese has anchored the Dream's defense, which ranks fourth in the league. She holds a second-best defensive rating during her minutes played. Burton contributes significantly to the Valkyries, whose defense leads the league with a 98.6 rating during her time on the court. The entire Golden State squad is on pace to set an all-time defensive efficiency record.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Angel Reese ranks second in defensive rating with Atlanta Dream.
  • •Reese leads in forced turnovers and rebounding metrics among defenders.
  • •Veronica Burton helps Golden State maintain a league-best defensive rating.
  • •Golden State's defense is on track to set a new efficiency record.
  • •The DPOY award discussion features these standout defensive players.
Latest Updates
  • 10:05 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 WNBA awards: Should Angel Reese or a Golden State Valkyrie be the Defensive Player of the Year?
What they're saying
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Has Angel Reese earned Defensive Player of the Year? Or, is a player on the No. 1-ranked Golden State defense deserving?

Related Teams & Leagues
Atlanta DreamGolden State ValkyriesWNBABasketball

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