Isobel Borlase wasn't part of the Atlanta Dream's original WNBA Playoffs plan. But after top scorer Allisha Gray went down with a hand injury in Game 1 against New York, the 22-year-old Australian rookie stepped into a far bigger role. And, according to head coach Karl Smesko, that's what changed the series for his team.
"I don't think we win Game 2 or 3 without Izzy," Smesko said. "That's how important her contributions were. She came in and she made a positive impact toward winning in both games. She was ready when she received the opportunity for more minutes. So we're really excited that she keeps that rolling into the Finals."
What Did Borlase Contribute During the Dream's Playoffs Series?
Borlase put up just 4.5 points a night during the regular season, yet she delivered under pressure when it counted most. Her steadiness when Game 3 turned chippy in the second quarter in Brooklyn particularly impressed her coach.
Even without Gray, Atlanta swept the Liberty to push its winning streak to 10 games.
That momentum now carries the Dream into the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries. The Valkyries vs Dream matchup favored Golden State during the regular season, where Golden State went 3-0 against Atlanta.
Still, Smesko believes his roster has transformed since then, pointing to the mid-season addition of DeWanna Bonner and Angel Reese's continued growth. And of course, Borlase, who put up 12 points and five rebounds in the team's latest win.
