The Atlanta Dream reached the WNBA finals for the first time in 13 years on Friday, with Angel Reese scoring a team-high 22 points in an 85-83 victory that completed a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty in Brooklyn.
Key facts
- Atlanta beat New York 85-83 to complete a three-game semi-final sweep.
- Angel Reese scored a team-high 22 points for the Dream.
- Rhyne Howard added 21 points and Jordin Canada had 19 points and 11 assists.
- Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones scored 26 apiece in defeat for the Liberty.
- The Golden State Valkyries reached the finals by beating the Aces.
Angel Reese scored a team-high 22 points as the Atlanta Dream reached the WNBA finals for the first time in 13 years on Friday night, according to the Guardian. The victory came in a tense 85-83 win in Brooklyn that completed a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty in the best-of-five semi-final series.
Reese was supported by Rhyne Howard, who added 21 points, and Jordin Canada, who finished with 19 points and 11 assists. Atlanta survived a second-half fightback by New York to close out the series and advance to the championship round.
The defeat ended New York’s run despite strong performances from Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, who each scored 26 points for the Liberty, the Guardian reported.
The result marks the fourth time the Dream have reached the championship series in their 19-year history. The franchise will be seeking its first WNBA title when the finals begin.
Awaiting Atlanta in the finals are the Golden State Valkyries, who the Guardian reported ousted the Aces to reach the championship series in just their second season.
The Guardian also framed the night as a turning point for Reese personally, noting that she has faced years of mockery and doubts about her game from critics. In a separate commentary, the outlet suggested those critics ‘might want to start forming an apology queue’ after her performance helped carry Atlanta to the WNBA’s biggest stage.
Why it matters
The Dream's return to the finals after 13 years puts one of the WNBA's most-discussed young stars on the sport's biggest stage, with a first franchise title now within reach. The matchup against the second-year Valkyries also underscores a shifting landscape at the top of the women's game.
Frequently asked questions
Who did the Atlanta Dream beat to reach the WNBA finals?
The Dream swept the New York Liberty in three games, clinching with an 85-83 victory in Brooklyn.
How many points did Angel Reese score?
Reese scored a team-high 22 points in the clinching game, according to the Guardian.
Who will Atlanta face in the finals?
The Golden State Valkyries, who the Guardian reported reached the finals by ousting the Aces in their second season.