Angel Reese sends defiant message before WNBA Finals

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Angel Reese sends defiant message before WNBA Finals

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 2:11 PM ET

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are WNBA Finals-bound. They booked their ticket on Friday after sweeping the New York Liberty 3-0 in the semifinals. The star forward sent a defiant message ahead of the championship series.

She finished Game 3 with a team-high 23 points, along with nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada backed her by combining for 40 points, five rebounds and 11 assists in the 85-83 win. DeWanna Bonner supplied a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.

The Dream reached the finals for the first time since 2013 and are aiming to win their first title. Reese’s addition has already paid dividends for the franchise following its trade for her in April from the Chicago Sky. She has also rewritten the league’s history books multiple times this year and won the DPOY award.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx.

Angel Reese speaks on Dream reaching WNBA Finals

Reese emphasized during her postgame media availability that she wants more than just reaching the finals. She also discussed what it means to her to help the franchise reach its success this season.

“Just knowing I belong here,” Reese said. “Knowing coming to Atlanta, how much I wanted to help this team and do whatever it takes, not just to get out of the first round, not just to get out the semis, but to make it to the finals and win a championship. And the job is not done. We’re definitely happy about where we are right now, but we’re not satisfied. I think we just continue to push every single day, get back to work.

“I’m sure (head coach) Karl’s (Smesko) not going to sleep tonight. He’s just talking about it. But, yeah, we’re going to enjoy this moment tonight. And we put a lot of work in for the season. We can’t shy away from knowing that we did put a lot of work to get to this moment. I’m really proud of this group.”

Angel Reese:

“The job is not done…we’re not satisfied” https://t.co/Zok2D3IjaE

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) October 10, 2026

Reese and the Dream will face the No. 2-seeded Golden State Valkyries. They are also coming off a sweep in the semis, dethroning the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. Game 1 of the finals is scheduled for Oct. 17 at Chase Center.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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