--- title: "Atlanta Dream Player Angel Reese Leads Team to WNBA Finals" url: https://newscentral.site/atlanta-dream-player-angel-reese-leads-team-to-wnba-finals/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Sports" published: 2026-10-10T18:05:38.000Z updated: 2026-10-10T20:32:33.184Z id: 3bdfa587-37a5-4434-9b80-7bdb7d1f234c source: "CBS Sports \n https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/angel-reese-manifested-this-atlanta-dream-wnba-finals/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/atlanta-dream-player-angel-reese-leads-team-to-wnba-finals/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Atlanta Dream Player Angel Reese Leads Team to WNBA Finals Angel Reese led the Atlanta Dream to their first WNBA Finals appearance in over a decade with her impressive performances on the court. Angel Reese's determination has paid off as she led the Atlanta Dream to their first WNBA Finals appearance in over a decade. This is a remarkable turnaround for a player who was once on the sidelines watching others compete at the highest level. Just last year, Reese found herself sitting at home during the WNBA Finals, watching the Las Vegas Aces claim victory against the Phoenix Mercury. She had just completed her second season with the Chicago Sky and had yet to participate in the playoffs. Her college days as a national title winner seemed like a distant memory as she struggled to find success on the professional court. However, Reese was determined not to be left out of the postseason action this time around. In fact, she expressed her desire to compete at the highest level through a direct message to her friend Kahleah Copper, who played for the Mercury. She boldly asked Copper to give her "one game in the playoffs," confident that she could turn a single postseason appearance into a deep run. Reese's bold statement was followed up by a tweet where she publicly shared her ambition. The manifestation of her hard work and determination is now a reality as she leads the Dream to their first WNBA Finals since 2013. Her season with the team has been nothing short of impressive, earning her numerous accolades including the title of WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Reese's incredible journey from watching others compete at the highest level to now being a key player in the WNBA Finals is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. The Dream's sweep of the Washington Mystics and New York Liberty has set the stage for an exciting showdown with their opponents, and Reese will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in determining the outcome. As the Dream's star player, Angel Reese has been making waves in the WNBA playoffs with her impressive performances on the court. On Friday night, she led the team to an 85-83 victory over the Washington Mystics' opponents, the more experienced New York Liberty, at Barclays Center. Reese's remarkable display of skill and determination was evident as she scored 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out three assists, blocked two shots, and even sank two three-pointers. Her tireless efforts on both ends of the court were instrumental in securing the win for her team. In a post-game interview, Reese expressed her gratitude to the Dream organization for giving her the opportunity to shine. She acknowledged the team's support and encouragement, which she believes has been crucial in helping her reach this milestone moment. Her words were laced with humility and appreciation for the trust that had been placed in her. Reese has been on a roll throughout the playoffs, showcasing her poise and toughness under pressure. In the semifinals, she averaged an impressive 20.7 points per game, accompanied by 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2 steals. Her shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc were also noteworthy, standing at 47.7% and 57.1%, respectively. Reese's emergence as a leader in her generation of young stars has been nothing short of remarkable. With her team now set to face off against their opponents in the WNBA Finals, she is poised to make even more history as the first player from her cohort to lead her team to this stage. Angel Reese's journey to the WNBA Finals has been nothing short of remarkable, given her early draft status and subsequent doubters who questioned her abilities on the court. As a 24-year-old player, Reese was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, a position that has not guaranteed success for those chosen above her or even among lottery picks from later drafts. Players like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and Aaliyah Edwards, all drafted before Reese, have struggled to make an impact in the playoffs, with none of them winning a series. The same can be said for lottery picks from the 2025 draft, including No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers. Reese has faced criticism about her skills, being labeled as just a rebounder and even a "mebounder," while also facing questions about her attitude and locker-room presence after a disappointing stint in Chicago at the end of the 2025 season. Angel Reese's team is celebrating their WNBA Finals achievement after months of hard work and dedication. The Dream star acknowledged that her team's success was not solely due to individual efforts, but rather a collective effort from everyone involved. She expressed pride in her teammates for their contributions throughout the season, stating that they couldn't shy away from acknowledging the hard work put into reaching this milestone. Reese's WNBA Finals appearance is a testament to her own perseverance and growth as a player. --- Source: [CBS Sports]( https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/angel-reese-manifested-this-atlanta-dream-wnba-finals/ ) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/atlanta-dream-player-angel-reese-leads-team-to-wnba-finals/