Angel Reese remains steadfast in her belief in the Atlanta Dream, even following their devastating WNBA Finals loss.
After Saturday’s 68-63 Game 7 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Reese told reporters that Atlanta’s return to the league’s ultimate stage is inevitable, using the phrase “delayed, not denied.”
“It’s difficult right now,” Reese said, “but we’ll be back. I always say, ‘Delayed, not denied,’ and this is only our third year together. I’m genuinely grateful to have gone to battle with this group. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Reese finished with eight points and 12 rebounds in Game 7. The Valkyries overcame a nine-point second-half deficit and outscored Atlanta by seven points in the third quarter alone.
In her third WNBA season—and her first since being traded from the Chicago Sky—Reese enjoyed a breakout year, averaging a career-high 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game during the regular season.
She earned her third All-Star selection, was named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team, finished seventh in MVP voting, and anchored Atlanta’s deepest playoff run since 2013.
“It’s tough,” Reese said. “Especially with such a good, great group that I’ve had the honor to compete with all season. They changed my life, and I’m incredibly grateful and thankful for them.”
After eliminating the Washington Mystics and New York Liberty to reach the Finals, Atlanta took a 2-1 series lead over Golden State before needing a Game 6 win to force a decisive Game 7.
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 30 points in Game 7, helping Golden State capture the championship in just its second season as an expansion team.
A victory would have added another championship to Reese’s résumé, following her national title with LSU in 2023, the Unrivaled championship with Rose BC in 2025, and a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA World Cup earlier this year.
Based on her postgame message, Reese remains confident that the Dream will eventually join that list as well.