Atlanta Dream Sweep Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals

The Atlanta Dream reached the WNBA Finals after defeating the New York Liberty 85-83 on Friday, completing a three-game semifinal sweep in New York. The fourth-seeded Dream advanced to the championship round for the first time since 2013 behind Angel Reese's 22-point performance and a postseason run without a loss.

According to AP, Reese played a key role after joining Atlanta in an offseason trade and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Dream had not reached the semifinals since 2018 and will now pursue the franchise's first championship with four more victories needed.

Reese previously shared her ambition of reaching the championship series after watching the WNBA Finals from home last season. She later reached that stage with Atlanta after helping the team overcome New York.

"manifesting the finals." Angel Reese posted in a tweet referenced by AP.

Reese reflected on her path to the Finals after the victory over New York.

"Sat at home the last two years and watched it," Angel Reese said.

"I texted Kah (Kahleah Copper), just get me one game in the playoffs." Angel Reese said.

Atlanta held an 83-81 lead with 17.7 seconds remaining after a turnover gave New York a final opportunity. Breanna Stewart missed a contested layup with nine seconds left, and DeWanna Bonner made two free throws with 6.2 seconds remaining to secure the victory.

Reese said Atlanta's progress has not ended with reaching the Finals.

"The job isn’t done," Angel Reese said.

"Happy where we are right now. We’re not satisfied." Angel Reese said.

The Dream advanced despite missing leading scorer Allisha Gray, who remained sidelined because of a finger injury suffered in Game 1. AP reported that Gray was ruled out about an hour before Friday's game after warming up.

Atlanta coach Karl Smesko credited his players for making decisive plays late in the contest after a close finish against New York.

"We were able to make the last couple of plays and able to move onto the Finals," Karl Smesko said.

"Excited about it and proud of the way our players competed and pull together and held on to win." Karl Smesko said.

New York pushed Atlanta throughout the game, with Jonquel Jones and Stewart each scoring 26 points. The Liberty's season ended after they entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed and had eliminated top-seeded Minnesota in the first round, according to AP.

Stewart addressed the missed late opportunity and credited Atlanta's defensive effort after the loss.

"I missed a bunny to tie the game which really stinks," Breanna Stewart said.

"Atlanta is a tough team. You know tons of credit to them for making it tough for us every single night and wish them the best in the Finals." Breanna Stewart said.

Stewart also described the disappointment of ending the season short of another championship appearance.

"What I’m thinking about right now is a lost opportunity," Breanna Stewart said.

"It’s really hard to get to the Finals and it’s really hard to win a WNBA championship." Breanna Stewart said.

Atlanta will face the winner of the Las Vegas-Golden State series when the WNBA Finals begin on Saturday, Oct. 17.