Dream coach Karl Smesko says Angel Reese 'very well might be the most improved player' as she powers Atlanta's Finals run

Angel Reese's fire has been the talk of the WNBA Finals. Her coach wants people to notice the work behind it too.

"She very well might be the most improved player from the beginning of the season to right now," Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko said Thursday.

Reese has carried the Dream to a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries in the best-of-seven series. Atlanta hosts Game 4 on Saturday afternoon.

Better around the rim and from deep

It is Reese's first trip to the playoffs and her first season in Atlanta after an offseason trade from the Chicago Sky. Smesko has worked with the three-time All-Star and newly named Defensive Player of the Year on her outside shot. He also pointed to her sessions with assistant coach LaToya Sanders on her offensive moves and finishing.

The numbers back him up. Reese made 45% of her shots in the paint over Atlanta's first 21 games, when the Dream went 12-9. Since then she is at 51% and the Dream have won 25 of 30. In the playoffs she has hit 8 of 17 from 3-point range after making just 3 of 25 before the All-Star break.

"She's taken it very seriously," Smesko said. "I give Angel a lot of credit. She was a great player when we traded for her. ... She has been very motivated to become the best basketball player that she can possibly become and you can see the results of that hard work."

Making Finals history

Reese leads all scorers in the series at 21.7 points a game on 56.4% shooting. She is also averaging 13.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block.

In Wednesday's Game 3 win she became the first player with a double-double in each of her first three Finals games. She is also the youngest player with three straight Finals double-doubles.

"For this to be her first playoffs and see her dominate like this is impressive," teammate DeWanna Bonner said.

Reese said her mindset is simple. "No matter if my shots are falling, I just want to bring energy," she said. "Y'all not taking this from us and that's in my heart."