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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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On Saturday night, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream, 68-53, in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals to win the team's first championship.
It also meant a painful loss for the Dream, who have yet to win a championship in the team's four WNBA Finals appearances. WNBA All-Star Angel Reese helped power this season's team to become championship contenders and had an emotional reaction after failing to complete their mission.
"I mean, yeah, it's tough, especially with the good group, great group, that I've honestly had an honor to battle with all year. They changed my life, and I'm just so grateful for them," she said.
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"It is tough in the moment, but we'll be back," Reese vowed for the Atlanta Dream.
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Atlanta held a 30-24 advantage at halftime, despite the game being played on the Valkyries' home court. They were outscored by Golden State, 21-14, in the third quarter, creating a very close contest until the end of a historic first-ever WNBA Finals Game 7.
Reese made 3 of 7 field goals and finished with eight points, along with 12 rebounds, two blocks, a steal, and an assist. Her teammates Jordin Canada and Allisha Gray were the Dream's only double-digit scorers with 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries to their first championship win, scoring a game-high 30 points and also recording four blocks, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
"I always say, delayed not denied, and this is only year three. They got a lot more years left, too, and I'm just really grateful that I got to go to war with this group, and I would do it again," Reese told reporters at her postgame media session.
After two seasons struggling near the bottom of the WNBA standings with the Chicago Sky, this was Reese's first season playing for Atlanta. The team went 30-14 in the regular season, finished with the fourth seed, and defeated the 2024 WNBA Champions, the New York Liberty, in the semifinals.
Reese nearly had a dream ending to her first season with the Atlanta Dream. While the loss will certainly sting, it also builds up experience for another potential championship run in Reese's future.
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For more about the Atlanta Dream and WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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