Angel Reese broke down in tears after DPOY news

Angel Reese added another award to her growing list of WNBA achievements on Thursday. The league announced that the Atlanta Dream star is the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year. The clip of her mom presenting her the trophy was posted on X, with the three-time All-Star in tears as she was overwhelmed with emotion.

Reese is amid a historic season. She has broken several WNBA records, including most rebounds in a game and in a season. The 24-year-old averaged 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals in 43 regular-season games. She has been vocal about a Dream player deserving to win the DPOY award, and she has since earned it.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against the Washington Mystics.

Angel Reese gives emotional speech after receiving DPOY award

Reese immediately shed tears after seeing her mother with the trophy. She then her teammates for helping bring out the best from her, and the LSU product vowed to finish the job.

“Thank you guys,” Reese said. “I really appreciate it. I’m so grateful for you guys. You guys always been there for me and push me every single day. I’m just happy to be in Atlanta. I just want to finish this off the right way because I think we deserve it. So thank you guys. Thank you.

Angel Reese was overwhelmed with emotion as her Mom surprised her and let her know she had won the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award.

( @WNBA) pic.twitter.com/Wh4kcHQ4pP

— WNBA on NBC and Peacock (@WNBAonNBC) October 1, 2026

Atlanta is already through to the second round after sweeping the No. 5-seeded Washington Mystics on Wednesday. Reese and Co. will next face the No. 8-seeded New York Liberty, which upset the No. 1 team, the Minnesota Lynx.

Reese will have her hands full against Breanna Stewart and the other bigs of New York. However, she has proven that she can thrive despite the defense focused on her. Reese’s DPOY win also gives her more motivation to play harder and win the title this year. It’s the franchise’s first trip to the second round since 2014, but the Dream players are not satisfied by it.