Angel Reese powered the Atlanta Dream to their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013 with a thrilling 85-83 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night at Barclays Center. The win completed a three-game sweep of the semi-final series and sent Atlanta to the championship round for the fourth time in franchise history.
Angel Reese Shines as Dream Complete Sweep
Reese finished with 22 points, including 18 in the first half, to lead the Dream's offensive attack. Rhyne Howard added 21 points, and Jordin Canada contributed 19 points and 11 assists. The Dream overcame the absence of Allisha Gray, who missed her second straight game with a left hand injury, and relied on balanced scoring to hold off a furious Liberty comeback.
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"We knew it wasn't going to be easy," Reese said after the game. "New York is a great team, but we stayed together and made the plays down the stretch."
How the Dream Built Their Lead
Atlanta got off to a hot start, hitting five of eight three-point attempts in the first quarter. Howard scored 11 points and Reese added 10, including two threes, as the Dream took a 25-18 lead. By halftime, Reese had 18 points and Atlanta held a 44-39 advantage.
The Liberty, facing elimination in front of a sellout crowd of 17,991, fought back in the third quarter. Breanna Stewart scored 10 points and Jonquel Jones added nine as New York shot 58.8% from the field in the period, outscoring Atlanta 29-22 to cut the deficit to 66-63 heading into the fourth.
Key Performers and Statistics
DeWanna Bonner had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Australian reserve Isobel Borlase added 10 points on five-of-six shooting. For New York, Stewart led with 24 points, and Jones added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angel Reese (ATL) | 22 | 8 | 3 |
| Rhyne Howard (ATL) | 21 | 5 | 4 |
| Jordin Canada (ATL) | 19 | 4 | 11 |
| Breanna Stewart (NY) | 24 | 7 | 5 |
| Jonquel Jones (NY) | 20 | 10 | 2 |
What This Means for the Dream
Atlanta returns to the WNBA Finals for the first time in over a decade, seeking their first championship. The Dream will face the winner of the other semi-final series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Seattle Storm. With Reese leading the way, Atlanta looks poised to make a strong run at the title.
- Atlanta swept New York 3-0 in the semi-finals.
- Angel Reese scored 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
- The Dream are in the Finals for the first time since 2013.
- Allisha Gray missed her second straight game with a hand injury.
- Atlanta will seek their first WNBA championship.
FAQ
When was the last time the Atlanta Dream reached the WNBA Finals?
When was the last time the Atlanta Dream reached the WNBA Finals?
The Atlanta Dream last reached the WNBA Finals in 2013. They also appeared in 2010 and 2011.
How many points did Angel Reese score in the clinching game?
How many points did Angel Reese score in the clinching game?
Angel Reese scored 22 points in the Dream's 85-83 victory over the New York Liberty.
Who will the Atlanta Dream face in the WNBA Finals?
Who will the Atlanta Dream face in the WNBA Finals?
The Dream will face the winner of the semi-final series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Seattle Storm.
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