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Isobel Borlase, a 22-year-old Australian rookie, emerged as a crucial figure for the Atlanta Dream during their 2026 WNBA Playoffs run, despite not being part of the team’s initial postseason strategy. Following the injury of top scorer Allisha Gray in Game 1 against the New York Liberty, Borlase stepped up to fill the void, a move that head coach Karl Smesko credits with turning the series in Atlanta’s favor.
“I don’t think we win Game 2 or 3 without Izzy,” Smesko remarked, highlighting Borlase’s immediate impact. “She came in and made a positive contribution 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.”
Borlase’s Impact in the Playoffs
Throughout the regular season, Borlase averaged a modest 4.5 points per game, yet her performance intensified when the stakes were highest. Coach Smesko was particularly impressed with her composure during the heated second quarter of Game 3 in Brooklyn, where the match became notably physical.
Even in the absence of Gray, the Dream managed to sweep the Liberty, extending their winning streak to 10 games. This surge in momentum now propels Atlanta into the 2026 WNBA Finals, where they face the Golden State Valkyries. Although the Valkyries dominated the regular season series against the Dream with a 3-0 record, Atlanta enters the Finals buoyed by their recent successes and Borlase’s unexpected rise.
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