The Atlanta Dream stand on the precipice of franchise history, fueled by a high-octane offense and a defensive tenacity that has the Golden State Valkyries reeling in the WNBA Finals. While national attention has largely centered on the statistical dominance of Angel Reese, the Dream’s surge toward their first-ever championship is being dictated by the steady hand and defensive instincts of veteran point guard Jordin Canada.
Reese, the 24-year-old former LSU standout, has been a force of nature throughout the series. Averaging 21.7 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, she has controlled the interior while shooting an efficient 56.4% from the floor. Her defensive contributions have been equally significant, recording three “stocks”—a combination of steals and blocks—per contest. These numbers have firmly established Reese as the frontrunner for Finals MVP, positioning her for what many expect to be a landmark 2027 campaign.
However, the Dream’s 97-71 blowout victory in Game 3 showcased why Canada, the 31-year-old UCLA alumna, is considered the team’s indispensable floor general. Under the offensive blueprint of head coach Karl Smesko, Canada has served as the primary catalyst for Atlanta’s transition game, turning defensive stops into immediate scoring opportunities.
Throughout the season and into the Finals, Canada’s defensive pressure has been a constant. She is currently averaging 1.9 steals per game, a notable feat on a roster defined by its resilience. Her ability to disrupt passing lanes and pressure the ball creates the gravity necessary to open up the floor for the Dream’s shooters and interior scorers.
A pivotal moment in Game 3 illustrated this dynamic perfectly. Late in the first quarter, with approximately 1:45 remaining on the clock, Canada aggressively attacked the Valkyries’ paint. As the defense collapsed to prevent a layup, she kicked the ball out to an open Naz Hillmon, who converted a shot from beyond the arc. Immediately following a timeout called by Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, Canada executed a nearly identical play. On this occasion, she found Reese waiting on the perimeter. Left in significant space, Reese hit the three-pointer, sending the sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena into a frenzy.
By drawing the opposition’s primary focus and forcing quick rotations, Canada allows Reese to operate with less resistance. While Reese’s finishing and rebounding provide the bulk of the team’s production, Canada’s role as the heartbeat of the transition offense ensures that Atlanta remains unpredictable and difficult to contain.
As the series progresses, the synergy between Reese’s interior dominance and Canada’s perimeter leadership has put Atlanta in pole position. The Dream are now just steps away from securing the first title in the team’s history, a feat that relies as much on Canada’s veteran playmaking as it does on the high-scoring performances of their young star forward.
