Angel Reese’s MVP Claim: Dominance or Delusion?
Atlanta Dream forward makes her case for the league’s top individual honor amid a record-breaking season
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By Staff Writer
September 8, 2026
Angel Reese has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and she certainly isn’t backing down from the debate over who deserves the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
Fresh off another dominant performance, the Atlanta Dream forward has made it clear she believes her name belongs in the conversation alongside the league’s elite. While her detractors may scoff at the notion of a player who has never led a team to a championship being crowned MVP, the numbers and impact Reese has delivered this season make a compelling—and, for some, stomach-turning—argument.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Reese’s statistical profile in 2026 is nothing short of historic. Through 36 games, she is averaging 16.3 points and an eye-popping 12.0 rebounds per game, cementing her status as the most dominant force on the glass in the league. She has recorded a WNBA-leading 27 double-doubles this season, a mark that puts her within striking distance of Alyssa Thomas’s single-season record of 28 set in 2023.
Her rebounding prowess has redefined what is possible on the boards. Reese recently broke A’ja Wilson’s single-season rebounding record and set a new franchise record for the Dream with 26 rebounds in a single game. This is not just volume; it is dominance. She is averaging 5.7 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes, giving the Dream second-chance opportunities at a rate that changes the complexion of games.
But perhaps the most compelling evidence for Reese’s MVP candidacy is not just her individual production but how it has translated into wins. The Atlanta Dream have made the playoffs for three straight seasons, but Reese’s arrival has elevated the team to another level. Her performances have directly contributed to team success, a key factor that MVP voters traditionally prioritize.
A Leap Forward
Reese’s improvement from her rookie season has been staggering. While she was criticized for limited offensive range during her time with the Chicago Sky, she has expanded her scoring repertoire significantly in Atlanta. Under head coach Karl Smesko, who has a reputation for unlocking offensive potential, Reese has developed more polish and consistency.
Her scoring has become more efficient, and she has even started to stretch the floor. Against the Los Angeles Sparks, Reese went 9-for-9 from the field, including two three-pointers, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. That performance made her only the third player in WNBA history to record a 20-point double-double on 100% shooting.
Reese’s recent run of form earned her WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. During a dominant West Coast road trip, she averaged 24 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game, recording a double-double in all three contests and shooting an incredible 67.4% from the field.
The Critics’ Case
Despite these achievements, the path to MVP is far from guaranteed. The award is typically reserved for players on the league’s best teams, and while the Dream are competitive, they are not the prohibitive favorites that the Las Vegas Aces have been in recent years. A’ja Wilson, the defending MVP, remains the gold standard, and players like Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas continue to put up video-game numbers for championship contenders.
Moreover, critics point to the “empty calories” argument that haunted Reese in Chicago—the idea that individual statistics can sometimes come at the expense of team success. Although the Dream have outperformed expectations, skeptics wonder if Reese’s rebounding numbers are a product of her relentless motor rather than a sustainable foundation for an MVP campaign.
Others note that voters may be reluctant to give the award to a player who is still refining her offensive game. While her field goal percentage has improved, she still relies heavily on putbacks and transition opportunities rather than creating her own shot consistently. Her 3-point percentage remains below 20% for the season, indicating that her perimeter game, while improving, is still a work in progress.
Staking Her Claim
When Reese says she deserves to be in the conversation, she is not merely making an emotional plea. She is pointing to the tangible evidence of her impact. Her coach, Karl Smesko, has already stated that he thinks Reese will be in the MVP conversation “sometime very soon,” citing her work ethic and desire to improve.
Team USA head coach Kara Lawson, who has worked with Reese during the FIBA World Cup, praised the forward’s ability to impact the game even in limited minutes. “When she gets in the game, she impacts. You can see it. I think everyone in the arena can see it,” Lawson said. “She comes into the game, and she plays with great energy. She competes, she scores, she rebounds, she plays with great pace. It’s what you want in a player”.
Reese’s MVP case is built on the idea that she has transformed from a promising rookie into a legitimate franchise cornerstone. She has broken records, carried her team, and expanded her game in ways few predicted. Whether that is enough to unseat the established superstars remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Angel Reese has earned the right to be part of the conversation.
