The Atlanta Dream are back on the WNBA’s biggest stage, ending a 13-year wait for another appearance in the league’s championship series. Atlanta completed its semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty on Friday, October 9, winning Game 3 by just two points in a tense finish at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Angel Reese delivered a team-high 22 points and nine rebounds, while Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points. Jordin Canada also played a key role, finishing with 19 points and 11 assists as Atlanta held off New York’s late comeback.
The Dream entered the postseason as the fourth seed but have emerged as one of the teams to watch, winning all five of their playoff games. They previously swept the Washington Mystics in the first round before eliminating the Liberty in the semifinals.
Atlanta’s return marks its first Finals appearance since 2013. The franchise previously reached the championship series in 2010, 2011 and 2013, but has yet to win a WNBA title. The team now has an opportunity to pursue its first championship in franchise history.
Reese, who joined Atlanta through an offseason trade, has helped strengthen the team’s playoff performance. Howard and Canada have also delivered important contributions, while veteran DeWanna Bonner helped seal the decisive Game 3 victory with two late free throws.
The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the best-of-seven Finals after Golden State swept the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. The matchup brings together an Atlanta team seeking its first championship and an expansion franchise making its first Finals appearance in only its second season.
The championship series is scheduled to begin October 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco, with Atlanta opening on the road before the series moves to Georgia for Games 3 and 4.
For Atlanta, the Finals berth represents a major milestone and another opportunity to bring a WNBA championship to the city. After more than a decade away from the title round, the Dream are four wins away from making franchise history.
