What happened: The four-time champion tied Reese's case to what she has brought to Atlanta this season. The endorsement arrived one day after an awards push for Reese centered on Defensive Player of the Year, All-WNBA and All-Defense honors.

Why it matters: MVP talk moves Reese's season beyond a defense-first awards lane and into the race for the league's top individual honor. Support from a former star with Thompson's resume can add weight as postseason attention sharpens every awards argument.

What to watch: Watch whether more former players or team voices make the same MVP case as the postseason keeps narrowing the field. Reese's next high-leverage performances will determine whether the push spreads beyond awards chatter.