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Angel Reese spent nearly a year believing she would reach the WNBA Finals. On Oct. 9, that vision became reality.
Reese scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85 to 83 at Barclays Center. The victory completed a three-game sweep and sent Atlanta to the Finals for the first time since 2013.
The achievement carried personal meaning for Reese, who publicly shared her Finals ambition 364 days earlier. After the final buzzer, she revisited that post and celebrated a goal that once seemed far away.
Atlanta also received strong performances across its roster. Rhyne Howard added 21 points, Jordin Canada recorded 11 assists and DeWanna Bonner collected 13 rebounds. The Dream secured the win despite playing without guard Allisha Gray.
How Angel Reese turned her vision into reality
Last October, Reese watched the Las Vegas Aces win the championship from home. She had not yet experienced a playoff game in her professional career.
That night, Reese messaged her friend Kahleah Copper about her belief that reaching the postseason would eventually lead her to the Finals. She also shared the ambition publicly on social media.
After Atlanta’s latest victory, Reese reflected on how much had changed. She credited her teammates for supporting her goals and said she had returned that support throughout the season. She also expressed gratitude for her faith and the opportunity to reach this stage.
The Dream have won all five of their playoff games so far. Their collective effort has helped turn Reese’s individual ambition into a team achievement.
Why Reese’s family and mentors matter
Reese has often credited her mother, Angel Webb Reese, for providing the support that shaped her career. A former college and overseas professional basketball player, Webb Reese raised Angel and her brother with help from their grandparents.
Reese has described her mother as someone she can call at any hour, especially during difficult moments. She wants to repay that steady support by giving her mother the best life possible.
Another emotional moment came when Reese spotted Teresa Weatherspoon near the court after the win. Weatherspoon coached Reese during her rookie season in Chicago and became an important mentor.
Reese ran toward her former coach and embraced her. Their reunion reflected a bond built during a challenging early chapter of Reese’s professional career.
Angel Reese on how much her mom means to her:
“Being a single mom, raising me and my brother kind of by herself. Our grandparents were very helpful, but she did a lot of work on her own and for me to repay her by living through her, living through me and being able to just support me and show up, that’s all I ask for. Support me, show up and love me, and I’ll give you the world. That’s just her. That’s just who she is. She’s not very hard on me, but she’s very loving and she’s very caring. She’s really proud because she know the dark moments that I’ve been through. I can pick up the phone at 3:00 in the morning, call her crying, and she’s just been there for me. And I’m just so thankful to have a mom like that. That’s just constantly just being there for me and I don’t take it for granted”
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 10, 2026
What makes Atlanta’s Finals run different
Atlanta’s success has grown from belief, preparation and shared commitment. Coach Karl Smesko worked with Reese on her jump shot, often serving as her shooting partner before games. Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery also praised Reese for openly declaring her ambitions and working toward them.
Faith has played a role within the team as well. Reese said eight of Atlanta’s 12 players attend chapel, and a pregame message encouraged them to seize their opportunity.
When do the WNBA Finals begin?
Atlanta is scheduled to face the Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven series beginning Oct. 17 in San Francisco. Both teams are pursuing their first WNBA championship.
Reese’s original goal was reaching the Finals. Now, she and the Dream have a larger prize in sight.
Her journey to this point has included family support, valuable mentorship and teammates who embraced her ambition. With the championship series approaching, Atlanta has a chance to turn a yearlong vision into an even bigger achievement.
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