The Atlanta Dream are headed to the WNBA Finals for the first time in over a decade after sweeping the New York Liberty with an 85-83 win on Friday. Angel Reese led the way with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 21 points and Jordin Canada posted 19 points with 11 assists. Atlanta has been perfect in the playoffs, and they’ve done it all without leading scorer Allisha Gray, who is sidelined with a finger injury.
Reese’s road to this moment has been a ride. Acquired in an April trade from Chicago, she went on to become the league’s Defensive Player of the Year following a record-setting September. She already has high school and NCAA championships on her resume, and now she’s four wins away from adding a WNBA title to the list. A year ago, she posted“manifesting the finals.”Consider it manifested.
Standing in the way are the Golden State Valkyries, who will host Game 1 of the best-of-seven Finals on Oct. 17 at Chase Center. Neither franchise has ever won a WNBA championship, so regardless of the outcome, this series will crown a first-time champion. Reese’s response to the moment?“The job isn’t done.”
Which team are you picking to win their first-ever WNBA title?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.