Story perspectives

Atlanta Dream Clinches Finals Spot With 85-83 Win

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 11:44 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Atlanta Dream swept New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3, clinching a 2-0 series lead on Oct 9, 2026.
The win gave Atlanta a first Finals appearance since 2013 and set a matchup with Golden State Valkyries beginning Oct 17.
Angel Reese posted a playoff-career-high 23 points and hit decisive overtime free throws in Game 2.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA launched in 1997 with eight franchises, including the New York Liberty, establishing a professional platform for women’s basketball. Expansion added the Atlanta Dream in 2008, and the league’s first new team since then, the Golden State Valkyries, began play in 2025. That lineage frames the Dream’s 2026 sweep of the Liberty, highlighted by Angel Reese’s clutch free throws.

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Story summary

Atlanta Dream swept New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3, clinching a 2-0 series lead on Oct 9, 2026.
The win gave Atlanta a first Finals appearance since 2013 and set a matchup with Golden State Valkyries beginning Oct 17.
Angel Reese posted a playoff-career-high 23 points and hit decisive overtime free throws in Game 2.

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