Angel Reese is dominating the WNBA Finals and rightfully claiming all the plaudits. However, without Jordin Canada on the floor, none of this offensive brilliance would be possible. In fact, the Atlanta Dream wouldn't be in pole position to clinch their first-ever championship.
Reese's performances have been simply stunning. The 24-year-old has averaged an incredible 21.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3 stocks per game, while hitting 56.4% of her shots. Everything about Reese's showings suggests she is on track to be crowned the WNBA Finals MVP, setting her up for a spectacular 2027 season.
Nobody should or could dampen the tremendous efforts of the LSU legend, but it also shouldn't prevent another Atlanta star from receiving her flowers. The fact of the matter is that without Jordin Canada thriving as the Dream's floor general, Reese and her teammates wouldn't be able to perform at such a high level.
Canada is the heartbeat of Atlanta
Everything good about the Dream starts with Jordan Canada. The 31-year-old sprinkles her stardust on both sides of the ball and is the catalyst for Atlanta's devastating transition offense. All season long, Canada has been praised for her role in the team's defensive efforts. Recording 1.9 steals per game on a roster bursting at the seams with resilient players is no mean feat, but that is just the tip of Canada's iceberg.
While her fast hands are a huge asset for Atlanta, it is what her defensive prowess leads to that is most important. Time and time again, Canada's relentless pursuit of the ball results in the electric guard driving forward, drawing the opposition's attention and creating space for players like Reese to get an uncontested bucket.
The Dream's dominant 97-71 Game 3 victory over the Golden State Valkyries was the perfect example of Canada's importance to Karl Smesko's offensive blueprint. The UCLA alum spearheaded Atlanta's swift counter-attacking philosophy on several occasions.
In the first quarter, with around 1:45 left on the clock, Canada charged into the Valkyries' paint, and when the opponent's defender arrived to meet her, she kicked the ball out to an open Naz Hillmon, who drained a shot from deep.
Immediately after Natalie Nakase’s timeout, Canada ran an identical play. This time, however, it was the one and only Angel Reese waiting on the perimeter. Standing in acres of space and oozing with confidence, Reese nailed her 3-point attempt and sent the sold-out State Farm Arena into a frenzy.
Jordin Canada's importance to the team's blueprint should not be minimised. She is Atlanta's driving force on both sides of the ball. Without her presence, Angel Reese and the Dream wouldn't be in pole position to lift their first-ever championship trophy.
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