WNBA

‘I’m supposed to be here’: Angel Reese’s road from ridicule to the WNBA finals

October 10, 2026

The Atlanta Dream secured their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013 with a decisive three-game sweep of the New York Liberty, capping off a dominant playoff run. The victory, sealed on October 10, 2026, with an 85-83 win in Game 3, marked the culmination of a postseason in which the Dream have not lost a single game.

Angel Reese, the Dream’s center, delivered a key performance in the clinching game, scoring 22 points to anchor the team’s hard-fought triumph on the Liberty’s home floor. The win also moved the Dream one step closer to their first-ever WNBA championship, with only one game standing between them and the title.

Reese’s journey to this moment has been defined by resilience and a refusal to back down from skepticism. The 23-year-old, now in her third WNBA season and first with the Dream, publicly declared on October 10, 2025, that she was ‘manifesting’ a trip to the WNBA Finals.

Exactly one year later, that declaration became reality. Her growth has been evident in the playoffs, where she has silenced past criticism about her finishing abilities.

In Game 2 of the semifinals, Reese scored 23 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and added two assists, one steal, and two blocks in a 101-98 overtime victory that gave the Dream a 2-0 series lead. Her ability to elevate her game in clutch moments has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s postseason success.

The Dream’s path to the Finals was far from guaranteed, particularly against a Liberty team that featured standout performances from Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, who each scored 26 points in Game 2 of the semifinals. However, Atlanta’s core—led by Reese alongside Rhyne Howard (who added 21 points in Game 3), Jordin Canada, and Allisha Gray—proved capable of overcoming adversity.

The Dream’s ability to thrive in hostile environments, including the Liberty’s home court, underscored their mental toughness.

The Dream’s playoff run has been built on consistency and clutch performances, with Reese emerging as the undisputed leader. Her addition to the roster in the offseason was a pivotal move for Atlanta, providing the team with the anchor they needed to break through to the Finals.

The sweep of the Liberty, completed without a single postseason loss, solidified Reese’s status as one of the league’s most dominant forces. Beyond her on-court contributions, Reese has also paid tribute to her mother following the Game 3 victory, adding a personal touch to her already remarkable journey.

With the Liberty eliminated, the Dream now turn their focus to the WNBA Finals, where they will face their next challenge. The team’s undefeated postseason record and Reese’s historic playoff run have set the stage for what could be a defining season in franchise history.

The next step is clear: a single game stands between Atlanta and their first championship, and the Dream’s resilience suggests they are more than ready to take that final step.

Reese’s Clutch Moment

Reese’s quote after the Game 3 win, ‘We're all here for a reason,’ reflected the team’s collective belief in their destiny, a sentiment that resonated deeply within the locker room.