Angel Reese's Fiery Performance Lifts Dream to WNBA Finals Lead

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese was a dominant force in her team's 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead. Reese's performance was marked by aggressive play and vocal interactions with Valkyries players, particularly center Aminata Gueye.

Early in the first quarter, Reese drove to the basket, was fouled, and made the shot, exclaiming, "She can’t f–k with me," as she headed to the free-throw line. This set a tone for the game, with the cameras later capturing Reese appearing to taunt Gueye from the bench in the fourth quarter after a teammate's successful shot. Reese seemingly directed remarks like "You’re a bum" and made a hand gesture at Gueye as the Dream held a significant lead.

This heightened verbal exchange follows similar interactions between the two players in Game 2, which had already increased the intensity of the rivalry.

Reese concluded Game 3 with a strong stat line of 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 12 rebounds, and three steals. She also made WNBA Finals history by becoming the first player to record a double-double in each of her first three Finals games.

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta. Both the Dream and the Valkyries are competing for their first WNBA championship. The Valkyries, in their second season as the league's 13th expansion team formed in May 2025, are also seeking their inaugural title.