Angel Reese expressed unwavering confidence in the Atlanta Dream's prospects following their WNBA Finals Game 7 defeat to the Golden State Valkyries.
"It is tough in the moment," Reese told reporters after the 68-63 loss, "but we’ll be back. And I always say, 'Delayed not denied,' and this is only year three."
The Dream's championship aspirations were dashed Saturday in San Francisco, where the Valkyries, in just their second season as an expansion franchise, secured the title. The Valkyries erased a second-half deficit and outscored the Dream by seven points in the third quarter.
Reese, who was acquired by the Dream in a trade from the Sky, had a strong third season. She averaged a career-best 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game during the regular season. Her performance earned her a spot in her third All-Star Game, a selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and a seventh-place finish in MVP voting. She was a key player in the Dream's deepest playoff run since 2013.
"It’s tough," Reese added. "Especially with a good group, a great group, that I’ve honestly had the honor to battle with all year. They changed my life, and I’m so grateful for them. And I’m so thankful for them."
The Dream advanced to the Finals by defeating the Mystics and the Liberty. They took an early 2-1 series lead against the Valkyries before Golden State forced a Game 7. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 30 points in the decisive game.
Reese has a history of winning championships, including the national championship with LSU in 2023, an Unrivaled title with Rose BC in 2025, and a gold medal with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup earlier this year. Her comments suggest she believes the Dream will eventually add a WNBA title to that list.