The Atlanta Dream are gearing up for their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013. The team is eager to secure their first championship victory. All eyes are on star player Angel Reese, who is participating in her inaugural postseason during her third year in the league. Previously, the Dream’s finals presence featured Angel McCoughtry, who made three unsuccessful appearances in the championship with Atlanta.
As the Dream prepare to face off against the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Finals, McCoughtry offered some meaningful advice to the current players, reflecting on what she wished she had embraced during her finals experiences.
“I would tell all the girls ‘Enjoy this moment,'” McCoughtry shared on Yahoo! Sports Daily. “I’ve reached the Finals four times, once with Vegas, three with Atlanta. I felt consumed by the desire to win a championship that I overlooked the surrounding atmosphere and energy. You never know when you will return to the Finals. So I would advise the girls to ‘Enjoy this moment no matter what happens.’ Only one team will emerge victorious. Whether you win or lose, savor the atmosphere, the fans, the camaraderie, and the sisterhood.”
This advice is particularly valuable, as reaching the Finals is never a given for any WNBA team. The Dream might wait another 13 years to reach this stage again, which could see many current players retired. Seizing the experience is crucial, regardless of the outcome.
The WNBA Finals are set to begin on Saturday, October 17th at 3:30 p.m. ET.