Angel Reese Leads Atlanta Dream to WNBA Finals After Semifinal Sweep

Angel Reese has achieved a career milestone in reaching the WNBA Finals before Caitlin Clark. Atlanta Dream completed a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty in the semifinals, which included a moment from training camp Reese shared with fans. She reflected on a drill Coach Karl Smesko stopped, asking her to make two consecutive 3-pointers before the team could continue, which initially caused her embarrassment in front of her new teammates.

In the postgame news conference, Reese expressed the pressure she felt during that training camp. Coach Smesko interrupted proceedings, insisting Reese make two 3-pointers in front of everyone. She felt upset and concerned about letting the team down but noted how much she has developed since then.

“It’s really hard for me not to want to rush success, and Karl told me how patient I had to be with it. I remember a moment in training camp where we were going through drills, and he stopped everybody and told me I had to make two in a row in front of everybody.”

Reese shared her sense of embarrassment and the pressure of the situation but appreciated how the challenge led to eventual ease in making the shots.

Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream celebrated her performance by setting two WNBA records with a historic rebounding display. During the semifinals, Reese helped Atlanta secure an 85-83 victory over New York in Game 3. She made two 3-pointers in the crucial win, sending the team to their first Finals since 2013.

Reese’s shooting abilities have been a point of scrutiny in her career as she is known for missing easy shots. She humorously embraced this perception by launching merchandise under the brand “Mebounds” in 2025—a playful take on the rebounds she recovers after missed shots.

In the recent conference, Reese was asked about the number of attempts needed to make her two successful 3-pointers. She didn’t recall the exact number but emphasized her teammates’ support despite the initial embarrassment.

Reese’s improved performance in Atlanta has been notable. She averaged a career-high 16.4 points and continued to lead the WNBA in rebounding. Her defensive skills earned her the Defensive Player of the Year title. Reese ended the semifinal game with 22 points and nine rebounds.

The move to Atlanta followed an April trade from Chicago. The Dream sent two first-round draft picks to Chicago and acquired a future second-round swap. Reese’s time in Chicago didn’t lead to playoff appearances as the team struggled with a 10-34 record in 2025.

Atlanta’s strong 30-win season, including key players like Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Jordin Canada, aided Reese’s success. Coach Karl Smesko, in his second season, steered the team to a record-matching 30-14 season. The Dream secured the fourth seed with home-court advantage, progressing through the playoffs despite setbacks such as Brionna Jones’s injury and Gray’s left hand injury.

Caitlin Clark, who debuted alongside Reese in 2024, reached her postseason first but missed the 2025 playoffs due to injury. Her career numbers peaked this season, averaging 22.3 points, leading Indiana’s high-scoring offensive alongside Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, though they were eliminated in the first round.

Reese and the Atlanta Dream aim for their first WNBA championship, with the Finals set to start on Oct. 17. The franchise seeks its first title.