The Atlanta Dream forward, Angel Reese, is making her way to the 2026 WNBA Finals and she’s celebrating with her mom after the winning game in New York. It was a good end to an evening, an outstanding performance and a personal moment that the fans were able to easily pick up. Let’s take a look at what is happening and the story behind it.
A finals-clinching win in Brooklyn
After sweeping the New York Liberty 85-83 in the Game 3 of the semifinal to lock up the spot in the 2026 WNBA Finals, the Dream capped off a pivotal run of 69 games played with a tight record at the end of 2022. The game was played at the roadhouse at Barclays Center, against the more experienced Liberty. It was a hard-fought victory for the Hogs.
Reese sets the tone early
In the first half, Reese earned 18 of her 22 points. She also had nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two three-pointers. She was the league leader in scoring. She made them the cushion they needed in the early production.
The Liberty push back
After the break, Breanna Stewart scored 18 of 26 points, but the Dream didn’t surrender. It was a close and tight finish as the score was only two points apart.
Depth steps up
DeWanna Bonner, Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard were resorted to with their timely shots to help Atlanta get over the hump after all banners were out for Allisha Gray with a hand injury. Reese also set the tone on defense all by her lonesome.
The moment with her mom
As the last buzzer rang, Reese blew out her breath and sprinted off, cheering for her mom. Giving her a big hug, they both shared a dap. It was a brief moment but it meant more than those statistics.
Reese on her mother’s sacrifice
Her mother was raising her and her brother alone, with the assistance of their grandparents, according to Reese. She added she just wants him to be able to support her and show up. Try to imagine an awesome celebration from Angel with mom after Dream won.
Where the game began for her
She is the daughter of mother Angel Webb Reese. Reese stated her mother had taught her how to play and her mother continued to play after her kids were born. Her younger brother Julian Reese played college basketball at Maryland.
A gift years in the making
Reese was stunned by her mom’s birthday in January 2025 when she announced that the mortgage on her home was completely paid off. It’s like investing in the person that invested in her first.
A career year in Atlanta
After bringing her second season to Chicago where she failed to appear in the playoffs, Reese watched the WNBA Finals from home last year. She then played for Atlanta where she scored an average of 16.4 points, rebounded 12.1 rebounds and averaged 2.8 assists per game and won Defensive Player of the Year honors. Fellowships were awarded based on the first place votes and she received 46 out of 74 first place votes.
What comes next
Atlanta has won all its playoff games so far, and it’s on the brink of capturing its first championship. Today the Dream took a step closer to becoming champions as they secured their fourth victory, putting them four wins away from the title. Reese said they are satisfied, but not content, with their current situation. Now for Finals and the Dream will aim to complete the task.
