Fans Rally Behind Angel Reese for DPOY Over A’ja Wilson

WHO:

Pro Football Network - Four-time WNBA champion Tina Thompson stated that Angel Reese "needs to be in that conversation" for MVP alongside Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson.

Pro Football Network - An analyst stated, "It’d be hard for me" to choose A’ja Wilson over Angel Reese for the WNBA DPOY award.

Pro Football Network - Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson are the main players discussed regarding the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award.

Sportskeeda - Fans are rallying behind Angel Reese for the DPOY award.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Angel Reese is expected to be in the running for end-of-season awards, including MVP, due to her stellar first season with the Atlanta Dream.

SB Nation - Angel Reese has the fourth-highest defensive VPM at +1.81, trailing only A’ja Wilson, Gabby Williams, and Aliyah Boston.

SB Nation - Angel Reese is currently the best rebounder in the WNBA, averaging 12.4 rebounds per game, which is 1.3 more than the second-leading rebounder, Jessica Shepard, who averages 11.1 rebounds per game.

SB Nation - Reese leads the league in defensive win shares with 2.88, marking the first time since 2022 that A’ja Wilson is not the leader.

Sportskeeda - Angel Reese is expected to be in the running for end-of-season awards, highlighting her stellar first season with the Atlanta Dream.

Pro Football Network - The FIBA World Cup final saw viewership surge 158%, sparking debate over the influence of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Sportskeeda - Angel Reese was confident about winning the Defensive Player of the Year award after capturing over 50% of the fan vote.

SB Nation - Reese has the fourth-highest defensive VPM at +1.81, trailing only A’ja Wilson, Gabby Williams, and Aliyah Boston.

SB Nation - The Atlanta Dream has the league’s fourth-best defense with a 105 defensive rating, trailing only the Golden State Valkyries, Minnesota Lynx, and Washington Mystics.

SB Nation - Angel Reese has the best defensive rating differential in the WNBA at -15.1, indicating that opponents score 15.1 more points per 100 possessions when she is off the floor.

SB Nation - Reese has the best opponent effective field goal differential at -7.4%, true shooting percentage differential at -5.6%, and opponent 2-pointer percentage differential at -5.9%.

SB Nation - Reese is third in the WNBA in steals per game with an average of 1.8, trailing only her teammates Rhyne Howard (2.3) and Jordin Canada (1.9).

SB Nation - Reese leads the league in opponent turnover percentage differential at +3.2%.

SB Nation - Reese has the fourth-highest defensive VPM at +1.81.

SB Nation - Reese leads the WNBA in defensive win shares with 2.88, marking the first time since 2022 that A’ja Wilson is not the leader.

SB Nation - Reese averages 12.4 rebounds per game, which is 1.3 more than the second-leading rebounder, Jessica Shepard, who averages 11.1 rebounds per game.

SB Nation - The Atlanta Dream has the league’s fourth-best defense with a 105 defensive rating.

Pro Football Network - An analyst believes Angel Reese has an edge over A’ja Wilson in the DPOY vote.

Sportskeeda - Angel Reese captured over 50% of the fan vote for the DPOY award.

WHY:

Pro Football Network - The analyst's reasoning for choosing Angel Reese over A’ja Wilson is based on her significant impact on the Dream's defense and advanced defensive metrics.

Sportskeeda - Fans are advocating for Angel Reese, citing her performance numbers against A’ja Wilson and Gabby Williams after a FIBA snub.

HOW:

Pro Football Network - The analyst's reasoning for choosing Angel Reese over A’ja Wilson is not specified but is described as a "major reason."

Tina Thompson, a four-time WNBA champion, has emphasized that Angel Reese should be considered for the MVP conversation alongside Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson. Reese is having an impressive first season with the Atlanta Dream, positioning herself as a strong contender for end-of-season awards, including MVP, and currently holds the fourth-highest defensive VPM at +1.81. Analysts point to her significant impact on the Dream's defense and advanced defensive metrics as key reasons for her candidacy over A’ja Wilson.