Sophie Cunningham turned her attention to a rival conference's surprise engine this week, and her words were as strong as any she has offered all season.

Speaking on her "No Hesitation" podcast, the outspoken Indiana Fever guard highlighted several factors behind the Atlanta Dream's impressive playoff performance, including the addition of veteran DeWanna Bonner and strong coaching.

She reserved particular emphasis for Angel Reese’s teammate, point guard Jordin Canada, the longtime floor general who has elevated her game in the postseason.

"Jordin Canada, man, she's a beast. She's been in the league for a really long time. And I'm pretty sure that she is kind of the head of the snake sometimes," Cunningham said in the podcast, as posted on Instagram. "Like, I know that you have Allisha Gray. I know that you have Rhyne Howard. But if your point guard is setting the tone defensively and also with your pace, it's going to be a long night for whoever they're playing."

Canada has been a driving force for Atlanta throughout the 2026 playoffs. After averaging 11.6 points, 7.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in the regular season, she has raised her production significantly, posting roughly 19.3 points, 8.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game in the postseason. 

Her ability to control tempo, pressure opposing guards, and create opportunities has helped the Dream sweep the Washington Mystics in the first round and take a 2-0 series lead over the New York Liberty in the semifinals.

The praise arrives as the Dream sit one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. Canada's two-way impact has drawn notice from teammates as well, with several describing her as the engine that sets the team's pace and energy. 

Cunningham's assessment lines up with that view, framing the 5-foot-6 guard as a difference-maker whose defensive tone and pace control make life miserable for opposing offenses.

Cunningham credits another name for Atlanta's Playoff success

Sophie Cunningham used her podcast to highlight the value of veteran leadership in the Atlanta Dream's strong playoff run.

"You have to give Atlanta credit too, man. Like their roster this year, adding DeWanna Bonner. I think that experience and that leadership and that veteran presence have absolutely helped them dial in on what's important. I give a hell of a lot of credit to their coach. I think he's absolutely phenomenal," Cunningham said in the same podcast episode.

Bonner, a 17-year WNBA veteran and two-time champion, joined the Dream in late August 2026 after agreeing to a buyout from the Phoenix Mercury. The move was widely seen as a playoff-focused addition, and Atlanta signed her to a prorated max deal. She quickly fit in alongside Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Jordin Canada.

Bonner has provided scoring, rebounding, and, most notably, composure, with teammates and coaches crediting her for keeping the group focused in high-pressure moments.

The Dream swept the Washington Mystics in the first round and took a commanding lead over the New York Liberty in the semifinals, putting them in position for their first Finals appearance since 2013.

Do you think Bonner's veteran presence and Canada’s talent are the biggest reason the Dream are one win away from the Finals? 

Written by

Zaid Quraishi