Angel Reese reaches WNBA Finals with Atlanta Dream after Chicago departure

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese addressed her exit from the Chicago Sky during WNBA Finals media availability, revealing that she helped select Atlanta as her trade destination. Fox News reported that Reese discussed taking control of her destiny during an interview with WSB-TV, sparking questions about her departure from Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune both reported that the trade occurred six months ago. [1][8][11]

The Atlanta Dream are four wins away from securing their first league championship, CBS Sports reported. The team won its semifinal series against the New York Liberty in a deciding Game 3, according to reports by the Daily Mail and the New York Post. The Daily Mail and the New York Post both reported that Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham criticized the officiating around Reese's physical play during that game. [2][4][5]

Reese was nicknamed the Bayou Barbie during her college basketball career at Maryland and LSU. MSNBC reported that the league's defensive player of the year has established commercial deals, including a partnership with Reebok and Hershey's Reese's chocolate, and hosts a podcast named Unapologetically Angel. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Dream are coached by Karl Smesko and will compete in the finals against the Golden State Valkyries. [3][12][16]

FOX Sports reported that the WNBA Finals will open with both teams seeking a first-time championship. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the series begins on Saturday in California, with the Atlanta Dream scheduled to play their home games at the 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena due to venue conflicts. [7][15][16]