Angel Reese has made it clear that reaching the WNBA Finals is not enough for the Atlanta Dream. The team beat the New York Liberty 85-83 on Friday, October 9, to complete a 3-0 semifinal sweep and reach the Finals for the first time since 2013. Reese was happy with the win, but she wants the team to go all the way and lift the trophy. “The job is not done… we’re not satisfied,” Reese said in comments shared by ClutchPoints on October 10.
Angel Reese Helps Atlanta beat New York Liberty
The Dream had to fight until the final moments to secure their place in the championship series. Reese finished Game 3 with 22 points and nine rebounds at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Rhyne Howard added 21 points, while Jordin Canada recorded 19 points and 11 assists.
New York tried to fight back, but Atlanta held on for the 85-83 win. The Dream also had to manage without Allisha Gray, their leading scorer during the regular season, who missed the game because of a finger injury.
Reese has played an important role in Atlanta’s playoff run since joining the team after leaving the Chicago Sky. She also won the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award this season.
Atlanta beat the Washington Mystics in the first round before sweeping New York in the semifinals. The team has now reached the Finals for the first time in 13 years.
Atlanta Dream Prepare For WNBA Finals
The Dream have reached the WNBA Finals three times before, in 2010, 2011 and 2013, but have never won a championship. They now have another chance to claim the title.
Reese had spoken about wanting to reach the Finals last season. After watching the championship series, she posted that she was “manifesting the finals.” Now, she has reached that stage with Atlanta.
The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven series starting October 17. Golden State also swept its semifinal series, beating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.
Both teams will be looking for the first championship in their franchise histories. Atlanta has already made it through a tough playoff run, but Reese’s message shows that the players are focused on winning the title rather than simply celebrating their place in the Finals.