Angel Reese and Atlanta Dream Advance to WNBA Finals Following Semifinal Sweep

The Atlanta Dream sealed their return to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013 after closing out an 85-83 win against the New York Liberty on Friday, according to reporting by theGrio. The victory completed a semifinal sweep for Atlanta, holding off a late second-half surge from New York to remain undefeated during their current postseason campaign. Star forward Angel Reese anchored the team's decisive performance, scoring 22 points while collecting nine rebounds.

According to reporting by theGrio, teammate Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points, while guard Jordin Canada recorded 19 points and dished out 11 assists to help propel Atlanta to victory. Atlanta achieved the playoff milestone despite missing their primary scoring leader, Allisha Gray. As reported by theGrio, Gray was forced to miss the final two games of the series after incurring a finger injury during Game 1. Despite her absence, Atlanta maintained an undefeated postseason record leading into the championship round.

For Reese, the finals appearance represents a major professional milestone following a trade from the Chicago Sky in April. After missing the postseason in her initial two WNBA seasons with Chicago, the former NCAA champion earned the league's Defensive Player of the Year honor after a record-setting showing in September, according to theGrio. During her tenure in Chicago, Reese set several league records, including the rookie rebounding milestone, the highest single-season rebounding average, and the mark for consecutive double-doubles.

Her time with the Sky also included friction, including a brief suspension last September after she publicly called for organizational improvements, theGrio reported. Reflecting on the accomplishment after previously posting her desire to reach the championship stage a year prior, Reese emphasized that the ultimate goal remains ahead. "The job isn't done," Reese said following the victory. The Atlanta Dream will now prepare for a best-of-seven series against the Golden State Valkyries, who reached the championship round by sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas squad, according to theGrio.

Game 1 is scheduled for Oct. 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco, guaranteeing a first-time WNBA champion as neither franchise has previously captured a league title.