Angel Reese, Jordin Canada help Dream sweep Liberty

The Atlanta Dream are four wins away from their first-ever WNBA championship. When the organization acquired Angel Reese, fans did not know quite what to expect. That big offseason addition, along with a returning core group comprised of Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and Allisha Gray helped the franchise break through and return to the Finals for the first time in 13 years. The Dream made it official with an 85-83 road win versus the New York Liberty on Friday night.

Reese scored a team-high 22 points on 7-of-18 shooting and recorded nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Howard added 21 on 7-of-21 shooting, Canada posted 19 points (5-of-8) and 11 assists, while midseason acquisition DeWanna Bonner notched a double-double of her own (13 points, 13 boards). Despite Gray missing all but 11 minutes of these semifinals, the Dream sweep a squad that is only two years removed from winning a title.

It was not easy, though. The last two contests were dripping in suspense. Atlanta survives and will await either the defending champion Las Vegas Aces or the Golden State Valkyries: a dynasty or a fledgling franchise looking to go all the way in just its second year in existence. There are compelling story lines for each squad. And the Dream do not care about any of it.

They have their own history-making aspirations. Karl Smesko’s team has now won 10 straight and will have a week to reset before chasing immortality. The celebration can last a little longer, however.

Atlanta will savor this moment, and then visualize a championship.