Angel Reese’s perception in the Dream hasn’t wavered — even after their WNBA Finals heartbreak.
Reese, in the aftermath of their 68-63 loss in Game 7 to the Valkyries on Saturday, used the phrase “delayed not denied” to reiterate that Atlanta will return to the league’s final stage.
“It is tough in the moment,” Reese instructed reporters, “but we’ll be back. And I always say, ’Delayed not denied,’ and this is only year three. … But I’m just really grateful I got to go to war with this group. I would do it again, all over again.”
Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream leaves the courtroom after a WNBA Finals sport at Chase Center in San Francisco, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. Getty Images
Reese was restricted to just eight factors and 12 rebounds in Game 7, as the Valkyries erased a nine-point deficit in the second half and outscored the Dream by seven factors in the third quarter alone.
But in her third WNBA season and first since a commerce from the Sky, Reese thrived, averaging a career-best 16.4 factors per sport during the common season while also including 12.1 rebounds per sport.
She made the third All-Star Game of her profession, earned NBA All-Defensive First Team and completed seventh in MVP voting, anchoring the Dream’s deepest playoff run since 2013.
Angel Reese (5) of the Atlanta Dream passes the ball during Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in San Francisco. Getty Images
“It’s tough,” Reese instructed reporters. “Especially with a good group, a great group, that I’ve honestly had the honor to battle with all year. They changed my life, and I’m so grateful for them. And I’m so thankful for them.”
The Dream, who eradicated the Mystics and Liberty to attain the Finals, jumped out to a 2-1 lead against Golden State, but they wanted a Game 6 victory to pressure a decisive sequence finale.
In Game 7, Gabby Williams poured in 30 factors for the Valkyries — who won a championship in just their second season as an enlargement franchise.
Angel Reese (5) of the Atlanta Dream dribbles against the Golden State Valkyries during Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, in San Francisco. NBAE via Getty Images
And if Atlanta had managed to win, it would’ve marked the newest title for Reese, as she won the nationwide championship with LSU in 2023, the Unrivaled title with Rose BC in 2025 and the gold medal with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup earlier this yr.
Based on her message in the aftermath of Game 7, Reese stays certain that the Dream will finally be part of that checklist, too.