‘Angel Reese in the Finals Before Caitlin Clark,’ ‘Give Her Respect’ — WNBA Fans Erupt as Dream Eliminate Liberty to Reach 2026 Finals

As the Atlanta Dream secured a spot in the championship series, WNBA fans were quick to react to Angel Reese's latest playoff achievement. The three-time All-Star spent her first two WNBA seasons watching the playoffs from home, but her first year with the Dream has been a different story. In the Dream's 85-83 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday, Reese put up impressive numbers, scoring 22 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and blocking 2 shots.

She made 7 of 18 shots, including two three-pointers, and averaged 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 2.3 blocks across the three game series. The Dream's sweep of the Liberty marks their first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013. Reese's appearance in the Finals also puts her in the conversation alongside fellow rookie Caitlin Clark, who has yet to reach the postseason in her two seasons with the Indiana Fever.

Fans took to social media to discuss Reese's achievement and its implications for her young career, with some comparing her to Clark, asking "Angel Reese in the finals before Caitlin Clark, it might be over Clark FC." Others expressed their support for Reese, praising her accomplishments and dismissing her critics.