Angel Reese Leads Dream to 2-1 WNBA Finals Lead Over Valkyries

Angel Reese recorded her second consecutive double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, propelling the Atlanta Dream to a 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. The win gives the Dream a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Reese's performance marked a historic achievement, making her the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to achieve at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games. She joins A'ja Wilson as the only players to accomplish this feat.

The Dream secured their first WNBA Finals win on Monday and followed it up with another strong performance at home on Wednesday, playing in front of a sellout crowd at State Farm Arena. Game 3 was the third consecutive game in the series where neither the Dream nor the Valkyries were present on the court for the national anthem.

Game Progression

Reese scored Atlanta's first basket and finished the first quarter with eight points, helping the Dream establish an early 23-15 lead. The Golden State Valkyries struggled offensively in the opening period, missing their first eight shots. Reese added another three-pointer in the second quarter, contributing to her 15 first-half points. Naz Hillmon also made three three-pointers before halftime, as Atlanta held a 46-40 lead at the break.

The Valkyries mounted a comeback early in the third quarter, tying the game at 48 and then 49. However, Reese was instrumental in a subsequent 8-0 run for the Dream, scoring two baskets and assisting another, which extended Atlanta's lead to 57-49. After Reese was subbed out, the Dream closed the quarter with a 12-2 run, including five points from DeWanna Bonner, to enter the fourth quarter with a 71-57 advantage.

Atlanta maintained control in the final period, never allowing the Valkyries to seriously threaten their lead. Hillmon finished the game with 15 points, while Jordin Canada contributed 8 assists. Rhyne Howard scored 16 points, her highest total of the series, and Gabby Williams of the Valkyries scored 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting.

Series Outlook

Atlanta, which entered the Finals without a prior series win and lost Game 1, now stands two victories away from a championship. Game 4 is scheduled to take place Saturday at State Farm Arena.