Angel Reese Leads Atlanta Dream to First WNBA Finals Since 2013
Angel Reese led the Atlanta Dream to a 3-0 sweep of the New York Liberty, securing the franchise's first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013. Reese, the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, scored 22 points in the 85-83 Game 3 win, fulfilling a prediction she made on social media exactly one year prior. The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the championship series starting October 17.
Key points
- The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 on October 9, completing a three-game sweep in the semifinals.
- Angel Reese recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal in the decisive victory.
- This is the first WNBA Finals appearance for the Atlanta Dream since 2013 and the first postseason appearance for Reese in her career.
- Reese had tweeted 'Manifesting the finals' on October 10, 2025, while watching the previous year's championship series from home.
- The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the best-of-seven Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for October 17.
- Reese received her second technical foul of the postseason during Game 3, putting her two fouls away from an automatic suspension.
Background
Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in April 2026 after two seasons in Chicago. She previously missed the postseason with the Sky in 2024 and 2025. The Dream had already secured a 2-0 series lead against the Liberty before Game 3, with Reese delivering a 23-point performance in an overtime win in Game 2. Reese won the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award earlier in the season, setting single-season records for rebounds and double-doubles.
How outlets are covering it
USA TODAY and The Guardian both highlighted Reese's emotional reaction to reaching the Finals, noting her tears and her reference to a social media post from exactly one year earlier. The Guardian emphasized the contrast between Reese's current success and the online criticism she faced regarding her offensive skills, noting that she has worked to improve her shooting under coach Karl Smesko. Fox News focused on the 'manifesting' narrative and the rivalry with Caitlin Clark, noting that Reese has reached the Finals before Clark. All sources agreed on the final score and the significance of the win for the franchise. The Guardian noted that Allisha Gray was absent due to a finger injury, while USA TODAY confirmed this was her second consecutive playoff game missed.
Why it matters
This victory marks a historic milestone for the Atlanta Dream, ending a 13-year drought without a Finals appearance. For Angel Reese, it represents the culmination of a career that began with NCAA championships and faced significant public scrutiny in the WNBA. The outcome also shifts the focus to the Golden State Valkyries, who defeated the Las Vegas Aces in the other semifinal, setting up a championship series that could define the 2026 WNBA season.
What to watch
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will begin the best-of-seven WNBA Finals series on October 17. Angel Reese must manage her technical foul count, as a fourth technical would result in an automatic suspension. The series will determine the 2026 WNBA champion, with Reese aiming for her first professional title.
- 'I manifested this': Angel Reese, Dream punch ticket to WNBA Finals with Liberty sweep USA Today
- Dream sweep Liberty to earn first WNBA Finals berth since 2013 ESPN
- ‘I’m supposed to be here’: Angel Reese’s road from ridicule to the WNBA finals The Guardian
- Angel Reese's 'manifesting' one year ago actually worked – she's heading to the WNBA Finals Fox News
- Atlanta Dream headed to first WNBA Finals since 2013, eliminate New York Liberty The New York Times
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