Angel Reese is approaching the biggest opportunity of her young professional basketball career, with the Atlanta Dream forward potentially on the verge of accomplishing something that has never been achieved in either the WNBA or the NBA.
After an outstanding regular season in which she dominated the boards and earned the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award, Reese is now preparing for the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries.
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If she can maintain her exceptional level of performance throughout the championship series and claim the Finals MVP award, she could complete a remarkable individual achievement.
According to a post shared by Real App on X, the Chicago Sky’s former star could become the first player in WNBA or NBA history to win Defensive Player of the Year, lead the league in rebounding and earn Finals MVP in the same season.
“Angel Reese could become the first player in WNBA or NBA history to have a season with: Defensive Player of the Year, Rebounding Title, Finals MVP,” the Real App noted on X.
“She’s +500 to win FMVP on @FanDuel.”
The possibility highlights just how impressive Reese's first season with Atlanta has been. Her influence extends beyond her scoring numbers, with her rebounding, defensive presence and ability to create additional possessions becoming central to the Dream's success.
The 2026 campaign has already delivered several milestones. Reese averaged 12.1 rebounds per game, finishing as the league's leading rebounder for the third time in her career.
She also established WNBA single-season records with 521 total rebounds and 206 offensive rebounds, becoming the first player in league history to reach 500 rebounds in a single season.
Her dominance was equally evident in individual games. Reese collected 26 rebounds against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 24, setting a new WNBA single-game record. She also recorded 32 double-doubles, another league record, while averaging a career-best 16.4 points per game.
Reese's historic season faces its toughest test against Golden State
Her achievements on the defensive end have been just as significant. On October 1, Reese was officially named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Atlanta Dream history to receive the honour.
She collected 46 votes from a panel of 74 sportswriters and broadcasters, comfortably finishing ahead of Golden State's Gabby Williams, who received 20 votes.
The result adds another dimension to the Finals matchup, as two of the series' most influential players have already been competing for individual recognition.
Atlanta's defensive performance also illustrates Reese's value. The team finished third in the league in defensive rating, while allowing a league-low 9.5 second-chance points per game. Her ability to secure rebounds helps the Dream finish defensive possessions and limits opponents' opportunities to score again.
That contribution has carried into the postseason. Atlanta swept the Washington Mystics 2-0 in the first round before defeating the New York Liberty 3-0 in the semifinals.
The Dream have therefore reached the championship series without losing a playoff game, setting up a compelling contest against a Golden State team that also swept its semifinal opponent.
Reese has also demonstrated that she can shoulder a greater offensive burden when her teammates need her. During Atlanta's semifinal series against New York, Allisha Gray's absence after Game 1 created an additional challenge.
Reese responded with strong scoring performances, helping the Dream maintain their momentum and secure their place in the Finals.
However, winning Finals MVP will be far from straightforward. Williams has emerged as a leading contender after helping Golden State reach the championship series, and her defensive versatility could prove particularly valuable against Atlanta's frontcourt.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has already made clear how highly she regards Reese's competitive mentality.
“She’s an ultimate ultra competitor,” she told reporters.
“To me, when we were at USA, you heard her voice constantly. So when she didn’t start, you heard her. She was constantly cheering her teammates on when they needed to. She constantly called them out when we needed energy. So, understanding, she’s a huge reason why I think that team is in the finals, Atlanta, because she brings this competitive edge, and she’s not going to let any possession slip.”
The comments underline why Reese's impact cannot be measured solely by points and rebounds. Her energy, communication and determination have helped establish Atlanta as a genuine championship contender.
The Finals begin on Saturday, October 17, at San Francisco's Chase Center, with Golden State hosting the opening two games. Games 3 and 4 will take place at Atlanta's State Farm Arena on October 21 and 24, respectively.
The series is a best-of-seven contest, meaning Reese will have to deliver consistently rather than rely on one outstanding performance.
For Atlanta, the objective is even bigger than an individual award. The Dream are seeking the first championship in franchise history and are making their first Finals appearance since 2013.
Reese's rebounding and defensive work will be crucial against a Valkyries side that has established itself as one of the league's strongest defensive teams.
If Reese can guide Atlanta to the title while maintaining her influence at both ends of the floor, she could turn an already record-breaking campaign into a historic one.
The Finals MVP award remains uncertain, but the opportunity to become the first WNBA or NBA player to combine that honour with Defensive Player of the Year and a rebounding title gives the upcoming series an additional storyline.
Reese has already rewritten the record books during the regular season. Now, she has the chance to deliver the ultimate prize for Atlanta while adding one of the rarest individual achievements in professional basketball to her growing résumé.