Angel Reese's shooting surge puts Atlanta Dream one win from WNBA title

The outcome of the WNBA Finals Game 7 may hinge on the consistency of one player's long-range shooting.

The Atlanta Dream hold a 16-0 record in games where Angel Reese hits at least one three-pointer. This statistic includes all three victories in the current series against the Golden State Valkyries. The connection between Reese's outside shooting and team success appears to be the defining variable of this postseason.

Reese has made 10 of 26 three-point attempts during the playoffs, converting 38.5% of those shots. Her field goal percentage has also risen to 47.8% in the three wins of the Finals, up from her career average of 43.4%. Her offensive growth is the central factor separating the Dream from their opponents in this series.

The transformation began in April when Reese traded from the Chicago Sky to Atlanta. She chose the Dream specifically for the coaching staff, citing the development of forward Naz Hillmon as a model. Head coach Karl Smesko and assistant coach LaToya Sanders met with Reese immediately upon her arrival. They began court work within ten minutes of their first meeting to address her shooting mechanics.

Sanders and Smesko designed a 30-minute routine that Reese executes after every practice. The drill involves a set number of three-pointers followed by finishing shots in various game situations, including face-ups and back-to-the-basket moves. Early sessions were difficult for the 24-year-old, but the repetition built muscle memory. Sanders noted that the routine now moves quickly because Reese is making more shots.

Reese's regular season numbers reflect this progression. She shot 41.3% from the field in the first two months of the year. Her percentage climbed to 48.6% in the final two months, a period that included six made three-pointers. Sanders attributed part of this improvement to Reese learning to trust her teammates, specifically All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, rather than forcing difficult shots.

The coaching staff has focused on helping Reese identify favorable matchups instead of charging into traffic. Sanders pointed to a sequence in Game 3 where Reese used a feigned drive to create a passing lane for Howard. Howard then converted the resulting three-pointer. This type of court vision has replaced the rushed shot selection that characterized Reese's early career.

Reese has maintained this routine throughout the season without skipping a session. She has also worked to insulate herself from external criticism regarding her shooting form and rebounding style. Sanders said the staff focuses on internal development, allowing Reese to handle outside noise with grace. The team's reliance on Reese's offensive growth has become a central theme of their playoff run.