Angel Reese helped lead the Atlanta Dream to the 2026 WNBA Finals after a hard-fought victory over the New York Liberty in Game 3 of the semifinals on Wednesday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Reese scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, fueling Atlanta’s narrow 85-83 win and completing the sweep of a Liberty team that had been a formidable opponent throughout the series.
Reese’s performance extended beyond the stat sheet. Known for her competitive fire and assertive presence, she blocked two shots, vocally supported her teammates, and engaged passionately with the crowd, embodying her aggressive style of play. Following the final buzzer, Reese was overcome with emotion as the realization of reaching the league’s championship stage set in.
The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals, with the opening game scheduled for Saturday in San Francisco. The Valkyries advanced after sweeping the Las Vegas Aces, the defending champions, in their semifinal matchup.
Reese’s journey to this moment has been marked by persistence and self-belief. Drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Sky in April 2024, she initially faced doubts about her ability to transition to the professional level and questions about her shooting and versatility. The Sky struggled during her first two seasons, finishing well below .500, and Reese experienced the challenge of playing for losing teams without postseason success. Yet even amid those struggles, she maintained a clear vision for her career.
During the 2025 WNBA Finals, Reese sent a message to friend and then-Phoenix Mercury player Kahleah Copper: “Give me one playoff game, and I’ll make it to the finals.” That statement highlighted her confidence and determination to reach the league’s pinnacle quickly. Having now accomplished that goal faster than several of her contemporaries, including highly touted rookies like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Olivia Miles, Reese is focused on more than just appearing in the finals; she aims to compete for the championship.
After two years in Chicago, Reese was traded to Atlanta, where she found a better fit under first-year coach Karl Smesko, whose methodical, patient coaching style contrasts with Reese’s fiery competitiveness. The relationship has fostered growth, particularly in expanding Reese’s shooting range. During training camp, Smesko challenged her to improve her three-point shooting; despite an underwhelming 19 percent three-point percentage during the regular season, she has elevated that rate to 39 percent in the playoffs.
Reese’s ability to embrace challenges and the adjustments required at the professional level has been a key factor in her rapid rise. Atlanta’s roster, combined with Smesko’s coaching, has provided the structure she needed to flourish. The Dream’s success this season reflects both individual and collective progress.
Renee Montgomery, a co-owner of the Dream and former WNBA player, noted Reese’s willingness to publicly set ambitious goals, acknowledging the scrutiny that often accompanies such openness. “She does it unapologetically, and now she’s just checking goals off the list,” Montgomery said.
Angel Reese’s appearance in the 2026 WNBA Finals marks a significant milestone early in her career, validating the confidence she had even as a rookie. Her former coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who led Reese during her initial season with the Chicago Sky, was present to witness the moment at Barclays Center, sharing a brief, quiet embrace before Reese returned to her team. This milestone is the realization of a vision Reese has held from the start — a testament to her resilience and determination in a league where success often demands both.