Sports
Angel Reese helps Atlanta Dream turn last year’s playoff failure into a Finals run
The Dream swept the New York Liberty to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. Angel Reese’s rebounding, defense and competitive edge have helped address weaknesses exposed in last year’s playoff exit.
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream are headed to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013, after sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals. They open a best-of-seven series against the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday in San Francisco.
Forward Angel Reese has been central to the turnaround. Dream coach Karl Smesko said Reese “takes us to another level,” crediting her impact on a team that had been good but struggled to finish games.
That weakness was laid bare in last year’s playoffs. The Dream lost a first-round series to the Indiana Fever, who rallied in Game 3 despite having key players in street clothes. Atlanta faltered when it had a chance to close out the shorthanded opponent.
Reese’s work on the glass and on defense has given the Dream a stronger foundation. Her energy and physical play have helped set the tone, while teammates have pointed to the way she pushes the group to compete and stay focused.
Atlanta’s path to the Finals included a four-game winning streak to close the regular season and a five-game series against the Washington Mystics before the sweep of New York. The series against the Valkyries will test whether the Dream’s improved resolve can carry them through the league’s championship round.