The Atlanta Dream are four wins away from achieving what the franchise has chased for nearly two decades: its first WNBA championship. Atlanta has reached the Finals for the first time since 2013, giving the franchise another opportunity to erase the disappointment of three previous championship appearances. This time, the Dream have a different leader, a tougher defensive identity, and a roster that believes it can finish the job. However, the Golden State Valkyries stand in their way, an expansion team that has already made history by reaching the Finals in just its second season.
Angel Reese Gives Atlanta a Different Edge
Angel Reese has transformed Atlanta into a legitimate championship contender. Reese has established herself as one of the league’s premier rebounders, averaging 12.1 rebounds per game in the regular season and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Her physical presence around the basket gives Atlanta a major advantage on the glass and creates additional scoring opportunities when the offense struggles. If the Dream are going to win their first championship, Reese must continue controlling the paint and making life difficult for Golden State.
Reese isn’t carrying this team alone. Rhyne Howard has become a crucial scoring threat, while Jordin Canada provides the playmaking and defensive pressure needed to keep Atlanta competitive against elite opponents. The trio has helped the Dream develop into a team that can disrupt opposing offenses and turn defensive stops into fast-break opportunities. Their ability to produce together will be critical against a Golden State team that knows how to defend.
Defense Could Decide the Championship
Atlanta’s defensive identity has been a major reason for its postseason success. The Dream swept the Washington Mystics in the first round before eliminating the 2024 champion New York Liberty in the semifinals, winning 85-83 in a 3-0 series. Reese scored 22 points, Howard added 21, and Canada finished with 19 points and 11 assists in the decisive game. Those performances showed Atlanta has the scoring firepower and defensive toughness to compete for a title.
Golden State, however, presents a difficult challenge. The Valkyries swept the defending champion Las Vegas Aces to reach the Finals and won all three regular-season meetings against Atlanta. Their defensive pressure and ability to force difficult shots could test the Dream’s offensive execution throughout the series. Atlanta must protect the basketball, win the rebounding battle, and avoid giving Golden State easy transition opportunities.
Atlanta Has a Chance to Make History
The Dream have previously reached the Finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013, but each appearance ended without a championship. That history makes this opportunity especially important for a franchise looking to establish itself among the WNBA’s elite. Atlanta has already proven it can defeat experienced championship teams, but the toughest challenge remains.
With Reese leading the way and Howard providing scoring punch, the Dream have a real chance to change their franchise history. Golden State will not make it easy, especially after dominating the regular-season series. If Atlanta can maintain its defensive intensity, control the boards, and execute in the biggest moments, it could finally make its long-awaited championship a reality.
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