Angel Reese anticipated this moment.
The superstar of the Dream celebrated making it to the WNBA Finals for the first time in her career, just about a year after she openly stated her desire to manifest a championship appearance.
“I manifested this,” Reese told ESPN after Atlanta’s narrow 85-83 win over the Liberty in Game 3 of the semifinals.
“When I came to Atlanta, I knew what I was getting into. This team has invested so much in me. We’ve all invested in one another.”
She also recalled a post she made on October 10, 2025, the day the Aces topped the Mercury to grab the WNBA championship.
“I tweeted on 10/10/25 that I was manifesting the Finals, and now this is my moment,” Reese mentioned.
“I’m meant to be here. I’m really thankful for this opportunity.”
A year later, Reese is just four wins away from becoming a WNBA champion herself.
This achievement comes a bit over three years after she helped LSU capture a national championship over Caitlin Clark and Iowa during their college rivalry.
The 24-year-old Reese wrapped up Friday’s decisive win with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, aiding Atlanta in completing a three-game sweep against New York.
She made 7 of 18 shots from the field, sinking two of four 3-point attempts—both early in the game—and converting all six of her free throws.
Reese scored 18 points in the first half, contributing to Atlanta’s 44-39 lead at halftime while they held off a second-half surge from the Liberty.
Rhyne Howard added 21 points, and Jordin Canada recorded 19 points along with 11 assists.
The Dream achieved this win without Allisha Gray, who missed her second straight game due to a left-hand injury but might be ready for the Finals.
Atlanta is making its first return to the WNBA Finals since 2013, aiming for its first championship in franchise history.
In the Finals, the Dream will face the Valkyries, who unexpectedly swept the current champion Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, who also secured her fifth MVP award on Friday.
For Reese, this success happens during her first season with the Dream after transferring from the Sky, who are struggling at the bottom of the league.
Previously, Reese spent two seasons with Chicago, where she emerged as one of the league’s top rebounders and versatile defenders before joining Atlanta.
During the regular season of 2026, she averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds and earned her first Defensive Player of the Year accolade.
The WNBA Finals kick off on October 17, where Reese’s Dream will compete against the Golden State Valkyries, who secured their place later that night with an 87-77 overtime win over the Las Vegas Aces.
