Angel Reese has faced persistent questions about her offensive game throughout her professional career, but the Atlanta Dream forward is answering those critics when the stakes could hardly be higher.
With Atlanta two victories away from its first WNBA championship, Reese has emerged as one of the defining figures of the Finals, combining her familiar rebounding dominance with an increasingly confident scoring touch.
Angel Reese lets loose after dominant game helps Atlanta Dream even WNBA Finals
Her transformation has impressed ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike, who believes the 24-year-old deserves considerably more recognition for her development and influence on the Dream's success.
Ogwumike went further than simply praising Reese's performances, declaring that she would already select her as the championship series' Most Valuable Player.
Speaking on ESPN's First Take, Ogwumike highlighted Reese's production and the unexpected improvement in her perimeter shooting.
"She's my Finals MVP, no question about it," Ogwumike said. "And what she's been able to do has been truly impressive. She's averaging over 21 and 13 so far in the WNBA Finals.
"But more importantly, her team is 15-and-0 when she knocks down a three."
Reese has averaged 21.7 points and 13.3 rebounds through three Finals games, shooting 56.4 percent from the field and 75 percent from three-point range.
Those numbers represent a significant offensive improvement for a player who converted just 19.3 percent of her three-point attempts during the regular season.
Ogwumike credited Atlanta coach Karl Smesko with helping reshape Reese's shooting technique, providing another dimension to an offense that already possessed considerable talent.
"She has been the missing link for a team that has had talent," Ogwumike said. "And she now sets them over the edge."
Reese responds to Game 1 defeat
Reese's influence became particularly apparent after Atlanta lost the opening game of the series, placing immediate pressure on the Dream to respond.
She delivered 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2, helping Atlanta secure a 79-65 victory before adding another 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3.
Those performances placed Reese alongside A'ja Wilson among players to record consecutive games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in the WNBA Finals.
"Whatever the team needed tonight, I was willing to do," Reese said after Game 2, reflecting the approach that has defined her postseason.
Atlanta Dream star receives recognition
Reese's championship performances have built upon a regular season in which she averaged 12.1 rebounds and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Her defensive presence, rebounding and improved scoring have helped transform Atlanta from a talented contender into a team with a genuine opportunity to win its first championship.
Ogwumike believes that development deserves recognition regardless of the criticism that has followed Reese throughout her career.
"And so, this is a unique era for the WNBA, and she deserves her flowers and everyone's respect," Ogwumike said.
The Finals MVP award remains undecided, but Reese has already strengthened her reputation considerably.
With Game 4 approaching, another dominant performance would move Atlanta closer to the title and further reinforce Ogwumike's endorsement.