Atlanta Dream Prepare for First WNBA Finals in Over a Decade

The Atlanta Dream have advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. The team aims to secure their first championship victory.

Star player Angel Reese, in the third season of her career, plays a pivotal role during her debut postseason. The last time the Dream reached the Finals, Angel McCoughtry was the leading figure, appearing in three Finals without clinching the title.

Words of Wisdom from a Veteran Player

As the Dream get set to face the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Finals, former star Angel McCoughtry shared essential advice from her experiences. She expressed thoughts she wished she had followed during her own Finals appearances.

“I would tell all the girls ‘Enjoy this moment,'” McCoughtry stated on Yahoo! Sports Daily. “I’ve reached the Finals four times, once with Vegas and three with Atlanta. During those times, I focused solely on winning a championship and overlooked the atmosphere. The energy and the spirit around me were missed. Future appearances are uncertain.”

She emphasized the importance of cherishing every aspect of the Finals experience. McCoughtry reminded the players that only one team will emerge as the winner, but the journey and camaraderie are equally valuable.

This is crucial advice considering that a Finals opportunity is unpredictable for any team. The Dream could go many years without returning, meaning some current players might not experience it again.

The WNBA Finals are set to kick off on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET.