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Angel Reese Helps Atlanta Dream Reach First Finals Since 2013

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 5:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Reese Propels Dream

Angel Reese helped the Atlanta Dream clinch their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013.
The Dream beat the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 of the semifinals on Oct. 9, 2026.
Reese scored 22 points, including a 10-point quarter with two threes, her first postseason quarter of that magnitude.
Reese logged the most steals and blocks by any center in a single postseason debut.

Summary

Valkyries Reach Playoffs

Golden State Valkyries became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season.
The league adopted a best-of-five Finals format in 2005 and a best-of-five semifinals format in 2016.
Coach Becky Hammon warned the Aces not to rely on history and to focus quarter-by-quarter for Game 3.
Tiffany Hayes, fresh from retirement, won Sixth Player of the Year and contributed 21 bench points for the Valkyries.

History

Historical Context

When the WNBA launched in 1997 with eight franchises, the Houston Comets won the inaugural championship, defeating New York 65-51 and setting a competitive benchmark. Today, the Atlanta Dream’s Finals appearance and the Golden State Valkyries’ 2025 playoff run reflect the parity the early dynasty sparked, prompting owners to discuss further expansion.

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Reese Propels Dream

Angel Reese helped the Atlanta Dream clinch their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013.
The Dream beat the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 of the semifinals on Oct. 9, 2026.
Reese scored 22 points, including a 10-point quarter with two threes, her first postseason quarter of that magnitude.
Reese logged the most steals and blocks by any center in a single postseason debut.

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