Caitlin Clark reclaims her place in the WNBA while Angel Reese takes a step back in the WNBA Finals
Clark returns to the WNBA’s elite ranks, while Reese and the Atlanta Dream face renewed pressure after their Finals setback
Caitlin Clark has returned to WNBA’s elite company, earning a place on the 2026 All-WNBA First Team, while Angel Reese faces the challenge of rediscovering her scoring touch as the championship series intensifies.
Clark’s selection recognizes another impressive season with the Indiana Fever, where her scoring ability and playmaking have established her among the league’s most influential guards.
She averaged 22.5 points and 8.4 assists per game, ranking third in scoring and tying for the league lead in assists.
The honor marks Clark’s second first-team selection after earning the distinction as a rookie in 2024. She joins teammate Kelsey Mitchell , who averaged 24.7 points per game, on a Fever backcourt that delivered exceptional offensive production throughout the regular season.
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson , New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles complete the first team. Wilson followed another MVP-winning campaign with her sixth first-team selection, while Miles enjoyed an outstanding rookie season that earned her recognition among the league’s best players.
Despite their individual achievements, none of the first-team selections feature in the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries.
Angel Reese faces a response test as Finals pressure builds
While Clark celebrates her individual recognition, Reese is preparing for a crucial response after Atlanta’s momentum was interrupted in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.
The Dream suffered a 67-62 defeat against the Valkyries on Saturday missing an opportunity to move within one victory of the championship. The result levelled the best-of-seven series at 2-2, increasing the pressure on both teams heading into the decisive stretch.
Reese , who was named the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year and earned a place on the All-WNBA Second Team, finished with eight points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and three blocks.
Her offensive struggles were particularly noticeable after two outstanding performances in the previous games. Reese recorded 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2 before producing 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3. Against Golden State, however, she struggled to find her rhythm around the basket.
“I think I rushed a lot of my shots and I didn’t take my time and finish around the basket like I’ve been doing in the last 3 games,” Reese said after the defeat. She acknowledged the problem and emphasized her determination to improve in the next game.
Atlanta still has an opportunity to regain control of the series. Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jordin Canada and Isobel Borlase contributed 10 points apiece. Howard also earned second-team All-WNBA honors alongside Reese .
The Valkyries will now look to maintain their defensive intensity in Game 5 on Monday, October 26, at Chase Center.
