Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu in Heated Clash as Dream Secure WNBA Finals Berth
Atlanta's star forward Angel Reese had to be restrained after a confrontation with New York's Sabrina Ionescu during a pivotal WNBA semifinal game, which the Dream ultimately won in a sweep.
In a heated moment during Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals, Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese was separated from New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. The confrontation occurred in the second quarter after Ionescu set a hard screen on Dream guard Isabel Borlase, resulting in a foul call against Ionescu.
Reese quickly approached Ionescu, exchanging words, before teammate Rhyne Howard intervened. The situation briefly escalated when Ionescu pushed Howard's hand away, drawing in other players before the two competitors eventually separated.
The game was marked by its physicality, with the Liberty fighting to stay alive in the playoffs. Despite the intensity, the Atlanta Dream emerged victorious with an 85-83 win, completing a series sweep against the New York Liberty and advancing to the WNBA Finals.
"I manifested this," Reese stated after the game, celebrating her first WNBA Finals appearance. "When I came to Atlanta I knew what I was getting. This team poured so much into me, we poured so much into each other."
Reese led the Dream with 22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Howard contributed 21 points, and Jordin Canada added 19 points. For the Liberty, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each scored 26 points, playing nearly the entire game.
The Atlanta Dream will make their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013. They await the winner of the series between the Golden State Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces.