Isobel Borlase and Atlanta Dream Set for WNBA Finals Clash

Borlase steps onto the Finals stage

Isobel Borlase was watching the WNBA Finals from home twelve months ago. Now the 22 year old Australian guard is preparing to take the floor for the Atlanta Dream with a championship on the line.

The Dream have never won a title in franchise history, and they last reached the Finals back in 2013 when Borlase was nine years old. They now meet the second year franchise Golden State Valkyries in a best of seven series tipping off in San Francisco.

It marks another high point in 2026 for Borlase. She won the WNBL MVP in February, made her WNBA debut in May, and played in her first FIBA World Cup in September.

Finding a role from the bench

Selected as the 20th pick in the 2024 draft, Borlase waited two full seasons before making the jump to the league. She has carved out a steady role, averaging 13 minutes, 4.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and one assist off the bench.

Borlase made an impact in the third and deciding game of the semifinals against the New York Liberty. She scored 10 points, grabbed two rebounds, collected two steals, and blocked a shot in just under 20 minutes on the court.

"There's 44 games in the season so not every game will be a perfect contribution and it's a real mental game of just finding ways to show up and believing in what you bring," Borlase said.

Team support and Australian connection

Teammates have welcomed the rookie warmly. Angel Reese led chants of "Issy, Issy, Issy, Oi! Oi! Oi!" during a postgame interview last week. Borlase said the gesture made her feel included, even if her teammates joke about kangaroos and koalas.

An Australian is guaranteed to lift the trophy this year. Fellow Opal Miela Sowah is with the Valkyries, though she does not play games as a development player.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Sat, 17 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 53%, Atlanta Dream win 47%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 78, Atlanta Dream 76. Our safest pick: Dream +9.5.

Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Tue, 20 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 47%, Atlanta Dream win 53%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 78, Atlanta Dream 78. Our safest pick: Valkyries +7.5.