Angel Reese Reaches WNBA Finals with Atlanta Dream

Angel Reese has advanced to the WNBA Finals before Caitlin Clark. Reese shared insights into her journey after closing a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty in the semifinals. She detailed a training camp experience that left her feeling ’embarrassed’ before her Atlanta Dream teammates.

During a postgame news conference, Reese recounted a moment in training camp when Coach Karl Smesko halted a drill. He required her to hit two consecutive 3-pointers before the team could proceed. Reese felt upset with Smesko, fearing embarrassment in front of the team. ‘It’s hard not wanting to rush success,’ Reese commented. ‘Karl told me I had to be patient.’

She expressed concerns about potentially letting her team down if it took too long to make the shots. Now, she finds the task much easier. Reese has been criticized for her shooting skills, frequently mocked for missing easy shots. In 2025, she even embraced the jokes by launching ‘Mebounds’ merchandise, a playful nod to her missed shots and subsequent rebounds.

During the news conference, when asked about the number of attempts needed to make two consecutive shots, Reese said she wasn’t sure. Smesko noted it wasn’t that many. Her teammates cheered from the sidelines, adding to the pressure.

Reese made significant contributions to Atlanta’s 85-83 victory over New York by making two 3-pointers. This victory secured the Dream’s spot in the Finals for the first time since 2013. Reese’s shooting has attracted scrutiny, particularly due to a rookie season marked by a 39.1% shooting rate.

Her performance has shown improvement, with a 45.1% shooting rate this regular season. Despite taking more 3-pointers, her success rate of 19.3% slightly surpassed her previous 18.2%. In the playoffs, she improved, making five of 13 attempts (38.5%).

Reese’s overall productivity increased in Atlanta. She averaged a career-high 16.4 points and led the league in rebounding. She earned the Defensive Player of the Year award. In Friday’s decisive victory, she scored 22 points and secured nine rebounds.

Her progress followed an April trade from Chicago to Atlanta for two first-round picks. Atlanta retained a solid core with All-Star guards Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and two-time champion Jordin Canada.

Despite the challenges, Atlanta reached the Finals, losing center Brionna Jones to an injury and playing without Gray due to a hand injury. In contrast, Clark helped lead Indiana, which finished 28-16 and had the highest-scoring offense. However, Indiana was eliminated in the first round.

Reese now aims for her first WNBA championship. The Finals start on October 17, with Atlanta seeking its first title. Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter for Fox News Digital, covers crucial political and cultural issues within sports.