Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream advance to the 2026 WNBA Finals after defeating the New York Liberty.
Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese has advanced to the 2026 WNBA Finals almost exactly one year after publicly declaring her intention to reach the championship series. The dramatic milestone arrived following an 85-83 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 3 of the semifinals on Friday night.
Reflecting on her journey, Reese explained that she had been visualizing this exact success since watching the WNBA championship from home in previous years, according to information published by bleache.
The victory marks a historic moment for the 24-year-old player, who is capping off her stellar postseason debut by leading her franchise to its first championship appearance since 2013.
Angel Reese Manifests WNBA Finals Appearance
Reese specifically pointed to a social media post from October 10, 2025, where she stated she was manifesting a trip to the WNBA Finals. She noted that speaking positive energy into her life and her teammates played a major role in achieving the goal.
After being traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in April, Reese quickly embraced her new environment, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award before helping secure the franchise's current postseason success.
Dominant Game 3 Performance Against New York Liberty
During the pivotal elimination game against the New York Liberty, Reese delivered a stellar performance by scoring 10 points in the first quarter for the first time in her postseason career.
She finished the contest with a team-high 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal. Her impressive statistics also include racking up the most steals and blocks in a single postseason by any center making their first playoff appearance.
Atlanta Dream Sweep Path to Championship Series
The Atlanta Dream completed a strong series sweep to reach the WNBA Finals, improving their record significantly when Reese contributes from beyond the arc. The team remains undefeated in games where she scores from deep.
Looking ahead, Reese emphasized that the job is not yet finished as the Atlanta Dream prepare to battle for the franchise's first title against either the Golden State Valkyries or the Las Vegas Aces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Angel Reese react to making the WNBA Finals?
Angel Reese expressed profound gratitude, stating that she manifested the accomplishment after posting about it on social media in October 2025 and thanking God for the moment.
Who did the Atlanta Dream defeat to reach the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 of the semifinals to clinch their spot in the championship series.
What team did Angel Reese play for before joining the Atlanta Dream?
Angel Reese played for the Chicago Sky for two seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Dream in April in exchange for a package including two first-round picks.
