Angel Reese Is Going to the WNBA Finals. This Is the Stage Atlanta Has Been Building Toward.

ATLANTA — Angel Reese is headed to the WNBA Finals, and the Atlanta Dream are returning to a stage they haven't reached in 13 years.

Atlanta completed a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty with an 85–83 victory Friday at Barclays Center, securing the franchise's first Finals appearance since 2013.

Reese delivered 22 points and nine rebounds in the deciding game.

But Atlanta's breakthrough wasn't built around one player.

Rhyne Howard scored 21 points, while Jordin Canada contributed 19 points and 11 assists. The Dream also received 13 points and 13 rebounds from DeWanna Bonner.

That balance was critical against a New York team fighting to extend its season.

The Liberty produced significant performances from their established stars. Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each scored 26 points, with Jones adding 14 rebounds.

New York also won the third quarter 29–22, turning a five-point halftime deficit into a narrow lead entering the fourth.

Atlanta answered in the final period.

The Dream outscored New York 19–15 in the fourth quarter, doing just enough to secure the two-point victory.

That sequence captures why Atlanta deserves its place in the Finals.

The Dream faced a talented opponent with championship experience, absorbed a second-half challenge and finished the game when the opportunity arrived.

Atlanta swept a Liberty team that had already eliminated Minnesota in the opening round.

The Dream didn't simply benefit from a favorable postseason path.

They defeated a dangerous opponent three consecutive times.

For Reese, the Finals appearance represents another important step in her professional career.

Her 22-point performance came in a game where Atlanta needed meaningful production from its frontcourt.

But the larger significance belongs to the entire organization.

Atlanta has reached the Finals three times previously, in 2010, 2011 and 2013, without winning a championship.

Now the Dream have another opportunity.

The opponent will be the Golden State Valkyries, who also completed a semifinal sweep.

Game 1 is scheduled for October 17 in San Francisco.

Both franchises will enter the series pursuing their first WNBA championship.

Atlanta has already accomplished something significant by returning to the Finals.

But reaching the championship series and winning it are different challenges.

The Dream’s preparation for the championship series now becomes the priority.