Atlanta Dream Advanced to WNBA Finals
The Dream secured their spot in the WNBA Finals by defeating the New York Liberty 85-83 in a decisive semi-final game.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball
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The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 85-83 at Barclays Center to clinch their semi-final series. This win marks the franchise's first appearance in the WNBA Finals since 2013.
Why it matters
By winning the series in three games, the Dream have earned a place to compete for the championship against the Golden State Valkyries. The team success highlights a milestone season for Atlanta basketball.
Angel Reese recorded 22 points and nine rebounds, while Izzy Borlase contributed 10 points and two steals to the 85-83 win. Reese also received a $500 fine for a technical foul during the game.
The players
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream is a professional women's basketball team competing in the WNBA and representing the city of Atlanta.
New York Liberty
The New York Liberty is a professional WNBA team based in Brooklyn that competes at the Barclays Center.
Angel Reese
Angel Reese is a professional basketball player who recorded 22 points and nine rebounds during the clinching semi-final game.
Izzy Borlase
Izzy Borlase is a professional basketball player who is a former WNBL MVP and a bronze medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries are a professional WNBA team that will face the Atlanta Dream in the upcoming WNBA Finals.
The details
The Atlanta Dream clinched the series in the third game after holding off the New York Liberty in the final minutes. Atlanta secured the victory despite a late-game turnover that occurred with 17.7 seconds remaining on the clock.
Timeline
Izzy Borlase won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Izzy Borlase was crowned WNBL MVP in February 2026.
Izzy Borlase began her WNBA career in May 2026.
Atlanta defeated New York in the semi-finals on October 10, 2026.
The WNBA Finals series begins on October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This victory breaks a long drought for the franchise, signaling a major shift in the team's standing within the league. The win sets up a high-stakes championship clash that will define the competitive landscape of the 2026 season.
Angel Reese remains at risk of a one-game suspension if she accumulates four total technical fouls during the postseason. The Dream now move on to the Finals where they will face the Golden State Valkyries.
The takeaway
The Dream have successfully navigated a tight semi-final series to reach their first title series in over a decade. Fans should note the high stakes of the upcoming Finals against the Golden State Valkyries.
What happens next
The WNBA Finals series between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries is scheduled to begin on October 17, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the team's playoff path, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Perth Now.
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