Angel Reese delivered a standout performance to propel the Atlanta Dream past the New York Liberty with an 85-83 win in Game 3 of the WNBA playoff semifinals on Friday. The star forward finished the contest with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Her shooting efficiency was on full display as she went 7-for-18 from the field, notably hitting 2-for-4 from three-point range. “Reese Is Doing What CC Couldn’t”, “It’s a Miracle” – WNBA Fans Go Wild as Angel Reese Drains 3-Pointers vs Liberty in Crucial Game. Reese found good looks from downtown as the Liberty defenders let her shoot from range early in the game. Which had fans buzzing in the comments section, an X user shared a video of the Dream star’s first two 3-point makes from the right corner in the first quarter. Taylor Townsend geeks out over Angel Reese-autographed memento during show-stopping attendance at Dream vs Liberty WNBA Playoffs.
Reese exploited gaps in the Liberty defense early on, sinking back-to-back three-pointers during the first quarter. Her perimeter shooting—a highlight that circulated rapidly on social media—drew significant praise from fans. StatMuse data highlights her postseason improvement, noting she is currently shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc, a substantial increase from her 19.3% regular-season average.
This victory secures the Dream a position in the WNBA Finals, where they are set to play Game 1 on October 17. Their opponent will be determined by the ongoing series between the Aces and the Valkyries, with the Valkyries currently holding a 2-0 lead. For Reese, this achievement comes in her third league season and follows a landmark campaign that saw her traded from Chicago to Atlanta in April.
The postseason has been particularly significant for the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, an honor she secured on October 1. Following Friday’s win, Reese became the second-youngest player to win the DPOY award and advance to the Finals in the same season. Throughout the 2026 playoffs, she has maintained impressive averages of 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Reese celebrated the advancement with an energetic reaction following the game, expressing her excitement to a courtside reporter. While the focus remained on her performance, the victory prompted broader online discourse, with some fans comparing her recent development to other high-profile players and others criticizing media narratives surrounding the league’s stars.
