Three Dream players earn All-Defensive Team recognition after anchoring one of the league’s toughest defenses during the 2026 season.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | October 16, 2026
The Atlanta Dream’s defense has been one of the driving forces behind the team’s remarkable 2026 season. Now, three of the players responsible for that success have earned recognition among the WNBA’s best defenders.
Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard were named to the 2026 WNBA All-Defensive First Team, while Jordin Canada earned Second Team honors, the league announced October 15.
The selections mark just the second time in franchise history that Atlanta has placed two players on the All-Defensive First Team. It is also the third time three Dream players have received All-Defensive honors in the same season.
But one statistic makes this year’s recognition particularly noteworthy.
Reese, Howard and Canada became the first three teammates in WNBA history to finish a season ranked first, second and third in steals per game.
Howard led the league with 2.3 steals per game, followed by Canada at 1.9 and Reese at 1.8.
Together, the trio averaged six steals per game, helping establish Atlanta as one of the league’s most disruptive defensive teams.
Reese Adds Another Historic Honor
For Reese, the First Team selection adds to an already impressive list of accomplishments.
The 24-year-old forward was named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Atlanta Dream history to receive the award.
Her All-Defensive First Team selection is also the first of her career.
Reese led the league in defensive win shares at 3.4, a statistic that estimates how much a player’s defensive performance contributes to team victories.
She also ranked fourth in defensive rating at 100.0 and finished the regular season with 32 blocked shots.
Perhaps the most revealing statistic was Atlanta’s performance when Reese was on the court.
According to the Dream, the team allowed 7.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with Reese playing, the largest defensive difference among Atlanta’s rotation players.
Her presence around the basket, ability to secure rebounds and willingness to challenge opposing players helped shape the Dream’s defensive identity.
Howard Establishes Herself Among League’s Best
Howard’s selection represents another step in her development as one of the WNBA’s premier two-way players.
After earning All-Defensive Second Team recognition in 2025, Howard moved up to the First Team in 2026.
She led the league with 2.3 steals per game and established a new Atlanta Dream single-season franchise record for steals.
Howard also ranked third in the WNBA in defensive win shares at 3.2 and 15th in total blocked shots with 39.
Her ability to defend on the perimeter, disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots has made her especially valuable to Atlanta.
Although Howard is widely recognized for her scoring ability, her defensive contributions have become an equally important part of her game.
That versatility allows the Dream to pressure opposing guards while maintaining the size and athleticism needed to defend multiple positions.
Canada Continues Her Defensive Excellence
For Canada, the recognition reinforces a reputation she has built throughout her WNBA career.
The veteran guard earned her third All-Defensive Team selection, adding a Second Team honor to two previous First Team selections.
Canada finished second in the league with 1.9 steals per game and ranked ninth in defensive win shares at 2.6.
Her defensive value begins with pressure on opposing ball handlers.
Canada’s quickness, anticipation and ability to force opponents into difficult decisions often create opportunities for her teammates.
She also helps turn defensive stops into fast-break scoring opportunities, an important part of Atlanta’s offensive approach.
Together with Howard and Reese, Canada gives the Dream three defenders capable of changing the direction of a game without scoring a basket.
Defense Becomes Atlanta’s Calling Card
The individual honors reflect a broader team achievement.
Atlanta finished the regular season among the WNBA’s top three teams in defensive rating at 103.5 points allowed per 100 possessions.
The Dream also led the league in points scored off turnovers, averaging 18.1 per game.
Equally important, Atlanta allowed opponents just 6.9 fast-break points per game, the lowest average in the league.
That combination illustrates the balance of the team’s defensive approach.
The Dream pressure opponents into mistakes while limiting opportunities for opposing teams to score in transition.
Atlanta also placed three players among the WNBA’s top 10 in defensive win shares, with Reese first, Howard third and Canada ninth.
Those results reflect a defensive system built around individual talent, communication and teamwork.
Recognition Comes During Historic Championship Run
The awards arrive during one of the most significant seasons in Atlanta Dream history.
On Monday, October 19, Atlanta defeated the Golden State Valkyries 79-65 in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, earning the franchise’s first victory in a championship series.
The win ended a 10-game Finals losing streak dating to Atlanta’s previous championship appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Reese led the way with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while the Dream’s defensive pressure helped hold Golden State to 34.4 percent shooting.
The performance demonstrated how the defensive strengths recognized by the league have carried into the postseason.
Atlanta now has an opportunity to build on that success as the championship series moves to State Farm Arena.
For Reese, Howard and Canada, the All-Defensive honors recognize individual excellence.
For the Dream, they confirm something opponents have experienced throughout the season: Atlanta’s defense is not simply a supporting part of its success.
It is one of the reasons the team is competing for its first WNBA championship.
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