In a time of hot takes and a desperation for clicks, it is not often that you hear a positive analysis of a player who is rarely in the spotlight. Which is why Kelsey Plum's take on Jordin Canada's exceptional defensive ability was so refreshing during Amazon Prime's broadcast of the Atlanta Dream's 108-101 victory over the Indiana Fever -- and she could not have been more correct.
During the Dream's triumph, Angel Reese stole the headlines, but Jordin Canada's performance on both sides of the ball was critical to the win. The UCLA alum recorded 18 points, five assists, and four steals, while draining 50% of her field-goal attempts. However, it was the work in protecting her team's basket that Plum believed deserved the most recognition.
When speaking on Prime's postgame show, Plum stated, "Jordin [Canada] is one of the best defensive guards in our league. I don't think she gets enough credit for what she does."
"Jordin [Canada's] one of the best defensive guards in our league."
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) June 19, 2026
Kelsey Plum gives Jordin Canada her flowers 💐 pic.twitter.com/3ZzixIUcld
Canada will be essential to Atlanta's championship push
Outside of Atlanta, Kelsey Plum is correct to highlight the lack of praise Jordin Canada receives on a nightly basis. And in truth, this is probably a trend across the league. Fans and analysts alike tend to rely on statistics over performances, so if a guard is not consistently putting 15 or more points on the board, they are not considered elite.
Canada falls victim to this outlook. If I am being honest, in all sports, I take more notice of offensive brilliance than of a defensive masterclass -- but without defense, a team cannot win championships, and this is why the 30-year-old deserves her flowers.
Throughout the 2026 season, Canada has accumulated 30 steals -- the second-highest tally in the entire WNBA. Canada has only been bested in this area by her teammate Rhyne Howard, who has totaled 38 steals.
As Kelsey Plum also mentions on the broadcast, it is in areas that aren't on the stats sheet that Canada truly shines. The two-way guard has a knack for disrupting plays that the opposition coaches draw up. Additionally, she forces her opponents into countless turnovers due to the relentless on-ball pressure she applies.
While Jordin Canada might not receive as much spotlight as Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Alisha Gray, she is just as critical to the Dream's blueprint. Without her on the team, it is hard to believe that Atlanta will be in contention for the championship. Kelsey Plum was absolutely right to name Canada as one of the greatest defensive guards in the league.
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