Jemele Hill Ranks Angel Reese Above A’ja Wilson as WNBA’s Most Impactful Defender
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese earned another strong endorsement following her team’s 92-82 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA playoffs conference semifinals. Sports commentator Jemele Hill took to Threads on Sunday to declare Reese the league’s most impactful defensive player, suggesting the Dream star might even be more disruptive than reigning three-time Defensive Player of the Year A’ja Wilson.
The 6-foot-4 Reese, who won the DPOY award in her third season, has transformed from a polarizing rookie into one of the most dominant two-way forces in the league. Her performance on Sunday was a primary catalyst for the praise she received, as she effectively neutralized the Liberty’s star power while anchoring Atlanta’s defense.
Hill’s Bold Take on Reese vs. A’ja Wilson
Hill did not mince words in her assessment of Reese’s defensive versatility. While acknowledging Wilson’s elite status, Hill argued that Reese’s ability to switch onto every position creates a unique disruption that tips the scale in her favor.
"I don’t think it’s a leap to call Angel Reese the most impactful defensive player in the league. She’s a one-woman disruption," Hill wrote on Threads on Sunday. "(She) can guard all 5 positions. Obviously, A’ja Wilson is a top-5 defender, but I think Angel’s ability to pressure the perimeter makes her 1-of-1."
The distinction Hill draws is rooted in a specific tactical advantage. Reese possesses uncommon speed and mobility for a player of her size, allowing Atlanta to deploy a second rim protector while she handles perimeter duties. This flexibility changes how opponents construct their offenses, as Reese can close out on guards and still recover to contest shots at the basket.
Reese’s Dominant Performance Against the Liberty
Reese’s defensive impact was complemented by a strong all-around offensive showing in Sunday’s opener. She filled the stat sheet, applying constant pressure to the Liberty’s backcourt while contributing efficiently on the scoreboard.
| Category | Value | Category | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 17 | Blocks | 3 |
| Rebounds | 7 | Steals | 4 |
Reese’s activity level made life difficult for the Liberty’s All-Star duo of Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart. Her ability to alter shots in the paint while remaining active on the perimeter forced New York into difficult decisions throughout the game.
Reese Embraces the DPOY Win as a Collective Victory
For the first time since claiming the Defensive Player of the Year award, Reese addressed the media on Sunday, using the platform to reframe the narrative surrounding her career. She viewed the honor not merely as an individual achievement but as a victory that resonated with anyone who has faced adversity early in their journey.
"Everybody across the world probably felt like their little sister, their little cousin won something," she said. "And I’ve always tried to represent everybody and be able to be a voice, a face for everybody… anybody that has an opportunity to be in this position. I’ve been through a lot and a lot of the world has seen me go through a lot. I felt like it was a win for everybody."
The comments acknowledged a difficult period in her career, where Reese faced significant online trolling and criticism following her first two seasons in the league. Her individual performances, particularly on offense, were dissected heavily, and she spent those years without a playoff berth while playing for Chicago.
From Chicago to Atlanta: A Career Turnaround
Rebuilding Confidence and Team Chemistry
The trade to Atlanta prior to her third season proved to be the turning point. The move placed Reese in a system where she could thrive without carrying the entire offensive load, allowing her defensive instincts to become the focal point of her game.
The results speak for themselves. Reese is not only competing for a championship but has broken records, won individual awards, and helped the Dream reach the conference semifinals. If Atlanta advances past New York, Reese will be in line for her first finals appearance, capping one of the most dramatic individual turnarounds in recent WNBA history.
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As the series shifts to New York, the narrative has shifted from whether Reese belongs in the conversation about the league’s best defenders to whether she is currently the best. With Hill’s endorsement and a Game 1 win behind her, Reese is proving she can deliver when the stakes are highest.
Sports, News, People, WNBA, Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, Angel Reese, Jemele Hill, A’ja Wilson, Women’s Basketball, Playoffs, Positive
