Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has praised the Atlanta Dream ahead of their matchup with the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Finals. Rather than avoiding the team, Cunningham used her podcast to point out what she sees as Atlanta’s strengths.
Cunningham commended point guard Jordin Canada for setting the tone and highlighted the leadership of veteran DeWanna Bonner. Her public recognition stood out because it came after a season that included a dramatic on-court altercation between the two players.
Cunningham credits Canada and Bonner on her podcast
Cunningham made the remarks in an October episode of her No Hesitation podcast, which she hosts with trainer Drew Hanlen. She acknowledged the experience on Atlanta’s roster and said the Dream deserved credit for their playoff performance.
“But you have to give Atlanta credit too, man,” Cunningham said. She maintained that Bonner’s leadership and experience helped Atlanta concentrate on the important things during the postseason.
Cunningham also emphasised Canada’s impact, describing her as a player who has the power to control how the team plays. She focused on the qualities that carried Atlanta to the Finals rather than on earlier disputes.
Cunningham went further in her praise for Canada, calling her a “beast” who can play a key role in Atlanta’s strategy. She singled out setting the tempo and applying defensive pressure as areas where Canada could make a difference.
Atlanta’s playoff run and the Liberty series
The Dream defeated the New York Liberty in the semifinals to secure a place in the championship series. Earlier, they swept the Washington Mystics in the opening round, then beat the Liberty 3-0 in the semifinals.
Atlanta advanced without dropping a playoff game in either series, a record Cunningham’s comments appeared to reinforce. Her own Fever team was eliminated early from the playoffs, but she still acknowledged the basketball that contributed to Atlanta’s success.
Bonner’s late arrival and the June altercation
Bonner joined the Dream late in the 2026 season, bringing a seasoned presence to a team getting ready for the postseason. Cunningham’s comments suggested that her presence helped keep the team focused.
Cunningham also suggested that a veteran’s importance can extend beyond scoring when younger players face unfamiliar pressure in a playoff run. Her praise centred on Bonner’s leadership and her experience in high-pressure games.
The two players had a much-discussed clash in June 2026. After an argument during an Indiana vs. Phoenix game, Cunningham pointed toward Bonner, a moment that went viral among basketball fans. Her latest remarks did not revisit that dispute or suggest that their past issues had been settled.
Finals series opens in San Francisco on October 17
Atlanta will play the Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven series starting October 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco. Golden State reached the Finals in just its second season, adding a historic element to the matchup.
The Dream’s journey has been built on a team effort, with Reese, Howard, Gray, Canada and Bonner each contributing distinct strengths. Cunningham’s praise pointed to leadership and backcourt management as ways the team’s scoring and rebounding could improve.
Cunningham’s comments show that players can still recognise outstanding achievements despite fierce rivalry. She acknowledged Canada’s significance and Bonner’s leadership without returning to the tension from earlier in the conversation.
