Angel Reese Credits 'Manifestation' for First WNBA Finals Berth
The Atlanta Dream star expressed her long-held belief in reaching the championship round.
Angel Reese is headed to her first WNBA Finals, a moment she says she has been manifesting for nearly a year.
"I manifested this," Reese told ESPN after the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 of the semifinals, completing a three-game sweep. "When I came to Atlanta, I knew what I was getting. This team has poured so much into me. We poured so much into each other."
Reese referenced a social media post from October 10, 2025, where she declared her intention to reach the Finals. "I posted and tweeted, 10/10/25, that I was manifesting the Finals, and this is my moment," she said. "I’m supposed to be here. I thank God for this moment."
This achievement comes just over three years after Reese led LSU to a national championship in college basketball. Now, at 24 years old, she is four wins away from a WNBA championship.
In the series-clinching victory, Reese recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. She shot 7-for-18 from the field, including two early 3-pointers, and made all six of her free throws. Reese scored 18 points in the first half, contributing to Atlanta's 44-39 lead at halftime.
Teammates Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada also contributed significantly, with Howard scoring 21 points and Canada adding 19 points and 11 assists. The Dream secured the win despite the absence of Allisha Gray, who missed her second consecutive game with a left-hand injury but may be available for the Finals.
The Atlanta Dream are returning to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013, aiming for their first championship title. They will face the Valkyries, who notably swept the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. A'ja Wilson of the Aces was recognized with her fifth MVP Award on Friday.
Reese joined the Dream this season via an offseason trade from the Chicago Sky. In her first season with Atlanta, she averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. The WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin on October 17.