Angel Reese Says 'The Job Isn't Done' After Dream Reach WNBA Finals

Angel Reese is going to the WNBA Finals in her third professional season and her first with the Atlanta Dream.

Reese scored 22 points Friday night at Barclays Center, and Atlanta beat the New York Liberty 85-83 to finish a three-game sweep of their WNBA semifinal.

She made 7 of 18 shots, went 2-of-4 from 3-point range and 6-of-6 at the free-throw line, and added nine rebounds and three assists.

Atlanta lost in the first round in 2025. Getting past that round, or even past the semifinals, was not what Reese came to Atlanta for.

"I knew I belonged here and wanted to help this team do whatever it took — not just get out of the first round or semifinals, but make the finals and win a championship," Reese said. "The job isn't done. We're happy, but not satisfied. We'll keep pushing and get back to work, though we'll enjoy this moment tonight. We put in a lot of work to reach it, and I'm proud of this group."

The Dream acquired Reese in an offseason trade. She was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds during the regular season.

By Aug. 18, she had a league-leading 24 double-doubles, and earlier in the summer she passed Brionna Jones' total of 136 for the most offensive rebounds in a season by a Dream player.

Atlanta went 30-14, matching the franchise record for wins set in 2025.

Reese had 10 points in the first quarter Friday, including both of her 3-pointers.

In the second quarter, she and Sabrina Ionescu exchanged words after Ionescu was called for an offensive foul on a screen. Minutes later, Jonquel Jones blocked Reese's shot, the two bumped chests, and each received a technical foul.

Reese then scored the last four points of the half to send Atlanta into the break with a 44-39 lead.

She was perfect at the line Friday and has been confident there throughout the playoffs.

"It was a tough, long game, and I knew how hard it would be in that environment," Reese explained. "New York has a great fan base, and they didn't stop until the buzzer. Finally, I felt I could breathe. Our team stayed poised and composed, and that shows how mature this group is."

Reese repays her mother by letting her live the run through her.

"My mom raised me and my brother largely by herself," Reese said. "Our grandparents helped, but she did a lot on her own. I repay her by letting her live through me, support me, and show up. She's loving and caring, and she knows the dark moments I've been through. I can call her crying at three in the morning, and she's always there. I'm thankful for her and don't take it for granted."

In Game 2, Reese scored 23 points, including six of Atlanta's 13 in overtime, and detailed the decision that helped the Dream close it out.

She made two free throws with 4.3 seconds left for the 101-98 final.

Reese played her first two WNBA seasons with the Chicago Sky.

Eight of the Dream's 12 players attend chapel, and she credits that group for helping shape the team's connection.

"I was watching the Finals from home for the last two years and kept saying, just give me one playoff game and an opportunity to come to Atlanta," Reese said. "Them wanting me there and pushing me every day helped me reach this moment. I manifest a lot of things and think it's important to speak positively into your life and your team, but this is all God. I'm thankful and blessed to be here and won't take it for granted."

"We have a praying group; eight of our twelve players go to chapel, and we take that seriously," Reese continued. "It's a blessing to be around the girls in that locker room."

Jordin Canada had 19 points and 11 assists Friday. Her advice for Reese as a first-time finalist was about keeping her emotions level.

"Be proud of getting here, because it's really hard," Canada said. "But don't get too high or too low. Stay level, steady, and manage your emotions. Enjoy the moment, but remember the job isn't done."

Reese said DeWanna Bonner also keeps the Dream humble. Bonner has been to the Finals and lost, and she reminds the group that reaching them is not enough.

Reese and Canada combined for nine steals in Game 1, a 92-82 Atlanta win on Oct. 4.

Atlanta has not lost in five playoff games.

The Dream play Game 1 of the Finals on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET against the winner of the Las Vegas-Golden State semifinal, which the Valkyries lead 2-0.