Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham didn't hold back when breaking down Angel Reese's postseason performance on her podcast, No Hesitation. Co-hosted with trainer Drew Hanlen, the episode zeroed in on how the Atlanta Dream forward has evolved her game when it matters most.
Cunningham, known for her candid takes, acknowledged that opposing teams used to give Reese space beyond the arc, daring her to shoot. That strategy worked during the regular season, but the playoffs told a different story. Reese's three-point percentage climbed from under 20 percent to nearly 36 percent in the postseason, a leap that caught the attention of players and analysts alike.
Much of that improvement, Cunningham noted, stems from the offensive system installed by Dream head coach Karl Smesko. His adjustments have given Reese cleaner looks and more confidence from deep, turning a former weakness into a legitimate weapon. As the Dream push for a championship against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center, that perimeter threat could be the difference-maker.
Defense remains the foundation
While the shooting numbers are impressive, Cunningham was just as quick to praise Reese's defensive impact. She highlighted the forward's relentless rebounding, shot-blocking timing, and physical presence in the paint. For Cunningham, Reese's ability to control the glass and protect the rim is what makes her a true two-way force.
“She's a nightmare to play against,” Cunningham said on the podcast. “You have to account for her on every possession, and now that she's knocking down threes, it opens up everything else.”
Reese's development has been a storyline all season, and her playoff run has only amplified the buzz. The three-time All-Star has shown she can adapt, and Cunningham believes her ceiling is still rising. With the Finals underway, Atlanta's success may hinge on Reese maintaining that balance between interior dominance and outside shooting.
This isn't the first time Cunningham has weighed in on Reese's physical style. Earlier in the postseason, she called for safer play after some hard-fought series. But her latest comments are purely about basketball, and they're glowing.
The rise of player-led media has also changed how fans consume the WNBA. Cunningham's podcast is part of a growing wave of athletes offering unfiltered analysis, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the tactical side of the game. It's a space where players can speak freely, and that authenticity resonates with audiences across the league.
As the Dream chase their first title, Reese's evolution is a reminder that growth isn't always linear. It takes the right system, the right coach, and the right mindset. Cunningham sees all of that in Reese, and she's not shy about saying so.
For fans of the game, this Finals series is shaping up to be a showcase of young talent. Reese and Gabby Williams are set for a historic clash, and Cunningham's analysis adds another layer to the narrative. Whether Atlanta hoists the trophy or not, Reese has already proven she belongs on the biggest stage.
