Angel Reese is relentless. Ever since she was traded to the Atlanta Dream, her pursuit of greatness has known no bounds. The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year is showing no signs of slowing down as the offensive side of her game continues to develop exponentially. There is no better place to hone your skills than the WNBA Finals. If Reese stays on this trajectory, she can absolutely be a contender for the 2027 MVP award.
I must admit, as the season got underway, I questioned whether Angel Reese possessed the attributes to lead Atlanta's offense. How wrong I was. Since returning from the FIBA World Cup, the 24-year-old's shooting has improved beyond belief. Is it perfect? No. However, the leap Reese has made in such a small amount of time is incredible, and if she continues on this path, the sky is the limit.
To become MVP, this improvement must become a consistent feature of Reese's game. As an integral part of the Atlanta Dream's championship tilt and elite defense, Reese has already checked several boxes to win the prestigious award. Nevertheless, besting A'ja Wilson is no joke; Reese's offensive leap must be significant, and there is no better place to prove her credentials than the WNBA Finals.
Reese can make a statement against the resilient Golden State Valkyries
Defensively, Angel Reese will continue to excel in the WNBA Finals. She is the foundation of a robust Atlanta roster. However, the Golden State Valkyries are a force to be reckoned with, and dominating offensively will be a much taller task for the Dream's star forward. Yet, if she can overcome this challenge, Reese will undoubtedly establish herself as one of the league’s most dangerous talents.
During Game 1, the LSU legend showed glimpses of her improved finishing. Reese finished with 14 points, shooting 45.5% from the floor. While this may not look overly impressive, it was her first-quarter performance that showed her devastating offense. She scored 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting. It was Natalie Nakase's excellent tactical tweaks that turned the tide for the Valkyries, allowing them to clinch the victory.
In the remaining games of the series, Reese can truly show her potential. An MVP reacts to in-game adjustments and finds other ways to contribute to scoring. Kiah Stokes established a defensive presence for the remainder of the game, swatting away a couple of Reese's layup attempts. Can Angel adapt her game to defeat her rival in the paint? Karl Smesko has put valuable minutes into improving her shot mechanics; now would be the time to showcase her scoring range.
It's going to take a special player to end A'ja Wilson's stranglehold on the MVP trophy, but Angel Reese is showing she has the mentality to do it. Her endless drive to improve has taken her offensive game to new heights. Now, Reese has the chance to prove herself on the greatest stage possible: the WNBA Finals. If she can drag the Atlanta Dream to championship glory, the 'Bayou Barbie' will put her name among the early favourites to win the 2027 MVP award.
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