Angel Reese knew this moment would come. The Dream star celebrated reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time in her career Friday night, nearly one year after publicly declaring that she was visualizing her path to the championship series.
“I visualized this,” Reese told ESPN following Atlanta’s 85-83 victory over the Liberty in Game 3 of the semifinals.
of the Liberty’s season-ending loss to the Dream in the WNBA
semifinals on Oct. 9, 2026 at Barclays Center. Michelle Farsi for NY Post
“When I came to Atlanta, I understood the potential here. This team has invested deeply in my development. We’ve invested equally in one another.”
Reese referenced a post she shared on Oct. 10, 2026, the day the Aces secured their WNBA championship. “I posted and tweeted, 10/10/26, that I was visualizing the Finals, and this is my moment,” Reese said. “I’m meant to be here. I thank God for this opportunity.”
One year later, Reese is three victories away from claiming a WNBA title.
This achievement follows just over three years after Reese helped lead LSU to a national championship, defeating Caitlin Clark and Iowa in college.
The 24-year-old concluded Friday’s series-clinching win with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Reese shot 7-for-18 from the field, making both of her three-pointers early in the game and converting all six free throws.
She scored 18 points in the first half as Atlanta built a 44-39 lead, though the Liberty rallied in the second half. Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points, while Jordin Canada recorded 19 points and 11 assists.
The Dream secured the win despite missing Allisha Gray, who has played in consecutive games due to a left-hand injury but may return for the Finals.
series-clinching win over the Liberty. Michelle Farsi for NY Post
Atlanta is advancing to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013, pursuing its inaugural championship. In the Finals, the Dream will face the Valkyries, who upset the defending champion Aces led by A’ja Wilson, who earned her fifth MVP Award on Friday.
For Reese, the milestone arrives in her first season with Atlanta after a midseason trade from the Sky. She averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds during the 2026 regular season and was honored as Defensive Player of the Year.
The WNBA Finals begin Oct. 17 in San Francisco, where Reese’s Dream will face the Valkyries, who completed their playoff run with an 87-77 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Aces.