Angel Reese Manifests WNBA Finals Dream Exactly One Year Later

One year ago to the day, Angel Reese sent a simple tweet into the universe: "Manifesting the finals>>>" Posted on October 10, 2025, at 9:01 p.m., the message seemed like standard athlete optimism at the time.

Fast forward 365 days, and Reese is heading to the WNBA Finals with the Atlanta Dream after a thrilling 85-83 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night. The win completed a three-game sweep and sent Atlanta to its first Finals since 2013.

"I manifested this," Reese told ESPN after the game, her excitement barely contained. "When I came to Atlanta, I knew what I was getting. This team has poured so much into me."

The 22-point, nine-rebound performance capped a remarkable season for Reese, who earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in her second WNBA campaign. Her journey from social media prediction to championship contender shows what focused determination can achieve.

This isn't Reese's first rodeo with championship glory. Three years ago, she led LSU to an NCAA title against Iowa in a historic game that captivated millions of viewers nationwide.

Why This Inspires

Reese's story resonates because it shows the power of public commitment. By declaring her goal openly, she created accountability for herself while giving fans a glimpse into an athlete's mindset. Her manifestation wasn't just wishful thinking but backed by elite-level defense, hard work with a new team, and unwavering belief in the process.

The Dream now face the expansion Golden State Valkyries in the Finals, a team that shocked everyone by eliminating A'ja Wilson's Las Vegas Aces. Game 1 tips off October 17 in Golden State.

"I thank God for this moment," Reese said. "I'm supposed to be here."

Whether Atlanta captures its first-ever WNBA championship or not, Reese has already proven something valuable: sometimes the first step toward achieving a dream is simply brave enough to say it out loud.