Key Takeaways
- Shooting Improvement Strengthens Angel Reese’s Game
- Atlanta Dream Reach the WNBA Finals
- Golden State Presents the Final Test
Angel Reese shooting improvement is becoming a key storyline as the Atlanta Dream prepare for the 2026 WNBA Finals. Under head coach Karl Smesko, the forward has worked to strengthen a part of her game that previously presented challenges, adding another dimension to her offensive performance.
One memorable moment came during a Dream practice when Smesko stopped a drill until Reese made two consecutive three-point shots. The challenge left her frustrated and embarrassed as teammates watched and encouraged her to complete the exercise. However, it reflected the coach’s determination to help her become a more versatile and confident shooter.
Smesko’s offensive philosophy emphasises efficient scoring opportunities, including layups, three-pointers and free throws, creating an environment that supports Angel Reese shooting improvement. For Reese, adapting to this approach meant refining her shooting mechanics, making her shooting improvement an important part of her development beyond the basket.
Angel Reese shooting improvement required patience, but her continued work on accuracy began to show results during the postseason. Her shooting numbers improved considerably, giving Atlanta another offensive option.
Reese converted approximately 19% of her three-point attempts during the regular season, compared with around 39% in the playoffs. Although the playoff figure comes from a limited sample, it highlights the progress she has made under Smesko’s guidance.
Angel Reese shooting improvement has also given Atlanta another way to use the forward offensively. Known for her rebounding, physical presence, and defensive contributions, she is becoming a more versatile threat who can challenge opponents from different areas of the court.
Reese helps Atlanta secure a place in the finals
Reese’s development has coincided with an impressive postseason campaign for Atlanta. The Dream swept the New York Liberty in three games, securing their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013.
Atlanta clinched the semifinal series with an 85-83 victory on October 9. Reese led the team with 22 points, while Rhyne Howard contributed 21. The victory was particularly significant because the Dream played without leading scorer Allisha Gray, who was sidelined with a finger injury.
The contest remained closely fought throughout the second half. New York mounted a comeback and entered the fourth quarter with a 68-66 lead, putting Atlanta under pressure in the closing stages.
The Dream responded with timely scoring and stronger defensive execution to regain control. New York had an opportunity to equalise in the final seconds, but Breanna Stewart missed a contested layup. DeWanna Bonner subsequently converted two free throws to secure Atlanta’s victory.
Reese’s performance demonstrated her importance to the team’s postseason success. Beyond scoring, her rebounding and ability to create second-chance opportunities have helped Atlanta maintain pressure on its opponents.
Her improved perimeter shooting has added another advantage. Defenders must now account for the possibility of Reese scoring from outside the paint, potentially creating more space for her teammates to operate near the basket.
The series victory also marked an important milestone for a franchise that has been seeking a return to the championship stage for more than a decade. Atlanta’s ability to overcome injuries and close out a competitive semifinal series has strengthened its position heading into the Finals.
Angel reese shooting improvement Atlanta’s next challenge
The Atlanta Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals beginning October 17. Golden State reached the championship series after sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, setting up a contest between two teams pursuing their first WNBA title.
For Reese, the 2026 WNBA Finals represent an opportunity to demonstrate how her shooting improvement can contribute to Atlanta’s championship ambitions. Her established strengths in rebounding, defence, and interior scoring remain important to Atlanta’s game plan. Her improved shooting could provide an additional advantage against a team that has demonstrated its ability to compete under postseason pressure.
However, maintaining that improvement will be crucial. A higher three-point percentage during the playoffs is encouraging, but consistency over a longer stretch remains an important test for the forward.
Reese’s progress also highlights the role of coaching and adaptability in professional basketball. Rather than relying exclusively on her existing strengths, she has worked to address a weakness and expand her contribution to the team.
With the championship within reach, Atlanta will need consistent performances from Reese, Howard and the rest of the roster to overcome Golden State. The series will test the Dream’s offensive flexibility, defensive discipline, and ability to perform under pressure.
Reese’s shooting transformation may not determine the outcome alone, but it gives Atlanta another option as the team pursues its first championship. Her willingness to embrace technical changes has already helped strengthen her game, and the Finals will offer the biggest opportunity yet to demonstrate how far that development can take her.
