The Atlanta Dream are preparing for their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013, and they just received another reason to celebrate.
Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Jordin Canada have all earned 2026 WNBA All-Defensive Team honors.
Reese and Howard were named to the First Team, while Canada earned Second Team recognition.
But here’s what makes this accomplishment even more impressive.
Atlanta became the first team in WNBA history to have three teammates finish first, second, and third in steals per game during the same season.
Howard led the league with 2.3 steals per game, Canada finished second with 1.9, and Reese ranked third with 1.8.
That’s incredible.
And with the Dream preparing to face the Golden State Valkyries for a championship, I believe Atlanta’s defense could be its biggest advantage.
Atlanta Has the Most Dangerous Defensive Trio in Basketball
We’ve spent plenty of time discussing Golden State’s defense, but Atlanta deserves just as much recognition.
Reese is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 12.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals during the regular season.
Howard led the entire WNBA in steals while continuing to establish herself as one of the league’s most complete two-way players.
And Canada has been outstanding at pressuring opposing guards and turning defensive stops into scoring opportunities.
I’ve previously discussed why Rhyne Howard deserves more recognition as one of the WNBA’s elite players.
But what makes this trio special is how well they complement one another.
Howard disrupts passing lanes. Canada pressures the basketball. Reese controls the paint and finishes defensive possessions.
That’s a championship-caliber defensive foundation.
Golden State Has a Problem It Hasn’t Faced in the Playoffs
Here’s what makes this matchup interesting.
Golden State finished the regular season with the WNBA’s best defensive rating.
But during the playoffs, Atlanta has actually posted the better defensive rating.
The Dream are allowing 102.0 points per 100 possessions, compared with Golden State’s 104.1.
Even more impressive?
Atlanta is averaging 24.4 points off turnovers per playoff game.
That’s enormous.
Against a Golden State team that prides itself on forcing opponents into difficult half-court possessions, Atlanta’s ability to create easy offense through defensive pressure could become extremely important.
Because the Dream don’t necessarily need to beat Golden State’s defense every possession.
Sometimes they can score before the Valkyries even get organized.
But Golden State Has an Elite Defense Too
Now, let’s not underestimate Golden State.
The Valkyries also had three players selected to the All-Defensive Teams.
Gabby Williams earned First Team honors, while Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes made the Second Team.
That’s six All-Defensive players competing in one championship series.
And Golden State already defeated Atlanta three times during the regular season.
That’s concerning.
But I believe the Dream are a different team now.
DeWanna Bonner has joined the roster, Angel Reese has continued developing, and Jordin Canada has elevated her game throughout the postseason.
Atlanta is also undefeated through its first five playoff games.
The Dream have every reason to believe they can compete with Golden State.
Defense Could Decide the WNBA Championship
Here’s my biggest takeaway.
The Atlanta Dream have spent the entire season proving they’re one of the best defensive teams in basketball.
Now they have the individual recognition to support it.
Reese is the Defensive Player of the Year.
Howard led the WNBA in steals.
Canada finished second.
And together, they’ve accomplished something no trio of teammates has ever done before.
But individual awards aren’t the ultimate goal.
Winning a championship is.
Golden State might have had the WNBA’s best defense during the regular season, but Atlanta has been the better defensive team statistically during the playoffs.
And if the Dream can continue forcing turnovers, creating transition opportunities, and controlling the pace?
I believe they have a legitimate opportunity to win their first WNBA championship.
Golden State has an elite defense.
But the Atlanta Dream might have the defense that wins it all.
