{
  "id": 13310008,
  "title": "Angel Reese Leads Dream to First WNBA Finals in 13 Years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/angel-reese-leads-dream-to-first-wnba-finals-in-13-years",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T03:07:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/angel-reese-leads-dream-to-first-wnba-finals-in-13-years-12550202"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Atlanta Dream have returned to the WNBA Finals after sweeping the New York Liberty, marking their first championship appearance in 13 years. Led by Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard, the Dream defeated New York 85-83 on Friday night at Barclays Center. Reese contributed a team-high 22 points, while Howard added 21. Jordin Canada also put up a strong performance with 19 points and 11 assists. The Dream entered the semifinals with a 2-0 series lead, having won Games 1 and 2 in overtime. New York, led by Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, fought back after halftime, but the Dream's defense held strong in the fourth quarter, limiting New York to just 15 points. Stewart missed a crucial layup with nine seconds left, giving Atlanta the victory. DeWanna Bonner sealed the win with two free throws. This victory marks Atlanta's fourth trip to the Finals, with their previous trips coming in 2010, 2011, and 2013, though they all fell short. The Dream will now face the winner of the semifinal series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries in the championship round on Oct. 17.",
  "summary": "Angel Reese leads the Atlanta Dream past the New York Liberty in a semifinal sweep, securing their first WNBA Finals since 2013.",
  "key_points": [
    "Atlanta Dream win first WNBA Finals in 13 years",
    "Angel Reese scores 22 points in championship game",
    "Dream will face Las Vegas Aces vs Golden State Valkyries in final"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This victory propels the Atlanta Dream back into championship contention after a 13-year drought, setting up a Finals matchup against either the Las Vegas Aces or the Golden State Valkyries.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Reese, Howard help the Dream sweep Liberty and advance to WNBA Finals for first time since 2013",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/reese-howard-help-the-dream-sweep-liberty-and-advance-to-wnba-finals",
        "published": "2026-10-10T01:54:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Liberty swept out of playoffs after 85-83 loss to Dream in Game 3",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/liberty-swept-out-of-playoffs-after-85-83-loss-to-dream-in-game-3",
        "published": "2026-10-10T02:19:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "WNBA Fans Rip Refs Over Angel Reese Confrontation as Dream Eliminate Liberty",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/wnba-fans-rip-refs-over-angel-reese-confrontation-as-dream-eliminate",
        "published": "2026-10-10T03:01:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}