Angel Reese credits Atlanta Dreams teammates after 68-63 WNBA Finals defeat

Angel Reese defended her Atlanta Dreams teammates in a postgame press conference on Saturday, following the team's 68-63 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals. Reese, who entered the game as a Defensive Player of the Award winner, told reporters the group was "destiny fulfilled" despite the final score.

"It’s always hard, especially with a great group that I’ve had the honor to battle with all year," Reese said. "They changed my life and I am just so grateful for them, so thankful for them. And it is tough in the moment but we’ll be back. I always say delayed, not denied."

The loss concludes a season that set multiple records for the Atlanta franchise. Reese broke the WNBA records for double doubles in both the regular season and the playoffs. The team also secured the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, a milestone that increased national attention on the league.

The increased interest forced a venue change for the team. The Dreams outgrew the 7,000-seat Gateway Center Arena and moved their home games to the State Farm Arena. That venue, typically used by the Atlanta Hawks, holds 16,000 spectators. Celebrities including Usher, Monica, and T.I. attended games to support the squad.

Reese credited head coach Karl Smesko for the team's development, stating that individual offseason improvements translate to collective success. "I’m honestly looking forward to another year under Karl and his development and his system," she said.

The Atlanta squad will return to competition next spring, although the WNBA has not yet announced an official start date for the season. The league's draft is currently scheduled for April 12.

Reese finished her remarks by expressing willingness to repeat the season's challenges. "I’d do it all over again," she said, adding that the team has many years remaining in its competitive window.