‘Angel Reese in the Finals Before Caitlin Clark,’ ‘Give Her Respect’ — WNBA Fans Erupt as Dream Eliminate Liberty to Reach 2026 Finals
Angel Reese spent her first two WNBA seasons watching the playoffs from home. Things have changed quite a bit in her first year with the Atlanta Dream, who are now playing for a shot at the league title. For the three-time All-Star, it’s a chance to prove she can contribute to a winning team.
The Dream’s win over the New York Liberty on Friday gave the 6-foot-4 forward another reason to celebrate. It also got WNBA fans talking, particularly those who have followed the debates surrounding her since she entered the league.
Angel Reese Reaches WNBA Finals Before Caitlin Clark as Dream Eliminate Liberty
Reese put up 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in Atlanta’s 85-83 Game 3 win over New York on Friday. She made 7 of 18 shots, including two from beyond the arc. It was another solid outing for the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, who had 23 points in Game 2.
Across the three games, the Dream forward averaged 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 2.3 blocks. Atlanta swept the Liberty to book its first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013.
Reese’s Finals appearance also brings Caitlin Clark into the conversation. The two entered the WNBA in 2024, but their playoff experiences have been different. The former Chicago Sky forward never reached the postseason in two years with Chicago before moving to Atlanta. Indiana reached the playoffs in all three of Clark’s seasons.
Clark played in the 2024 and 2026 postseasons, while a groin injury kept her out of Indiana’s 2025 playoff run to the semifinals. The Fever star has one playoff win in five games, while the former LSU standout has already reached the championship series in her first postseason appearance.
With Atlanta preparing for the championship series, fans took to social media to discuss Reese’s achievement and its implications for her young career.
One diehard basketball fan brought up the familiar comparison between the two stars, writing: “Angel Reese in the finals before Caitlin Clark, it might be over Clark FC.”
Hoop Central also weighed in, calling for more recognition of the Atlanta star’s accomplishment. “BREAKING: ANGEL REESE IS HEADED TO THE WNBA FINALS. GIVE HER RESPECT,” the basketball account posted.
Atlanta didn’t merely advance past New York. The Dream won three straight games against a Liberty team featuring Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. The sweep carried additional weight considering New York’s championship pedigree.
“SWEPT THE LIBERTY AND THE REFS,” a fan remarked.
“Let the apologies be as loud as the disrespect. Whole ‘lotta people owe Angel Reese an apology,” Jemele Hill posted in the aftermath.
For Reese, the trip to the Finals is another major step after two seasons in Chicago without a playoff appearance. Her move to Atlanta has given her a chance to compete for a championship, and some fans couldn’t resist revisiting her comparison with Clark.
“Angel Reese championship appearance before Caitlin Clark playoff (series) win,” an X user commented.
The left-handed forward has also faced criticism for her offensive game and the attention she has received since college. Her performances against New York gave her supporters plenty to celebrate, especially after she delivered back-to-back 20-point games to close the series.
“So happy for Angel Reese man, genuinely what more can haters say about her, she’s about to get a ring,” one fan reacted.
“What y’all gonna say now ???” another fan wondered.
Atlanta’s success has given Reese a chance to add a WNBA championship to her résumé in just her third professional season. She has played a significant role in getting the Dream this far, but the team will need another strong collective effort to finish the job against the Golden State Valkyries.
For now, the newly crowned DPOY has reached her first WNBA Finals, giving her critics one less reason to question her ability to win. A championship would make it even harder to dismiss what Reese has accomplished.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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