Dream Take 2-1 Lead Over Valkyries in WNBA Finals Behind Reese's Dominance
Angel Reese recorded her third consecutive double-double to power Atlanta to a commanding Game 3 victory.
The Atlanta Dream secured a 2-1 series lead in the WNBA Finals with a decisive 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 on Wednesday night. Angel Reese led the charge with 21 points and 12 rebounds, marking her third consecutive double-double of the series.
Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard contributed 16 points, and Naz Hillmon added 15 in the Dream’s dominant performance. The team will host Game 4 on Saturday, aiming to clinch the championship on their home court.
Reese’s strong showing in Game 3 follows her 30-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2, which marked the Dream's first-ever Finals win. "It feels good when you’re in the finals," Reese stated after the game. "I put the work in for this moment and I’m just happy I could lead the team to a win. We’re feeling good going into Saturday."
The Dream established control in the third quarter, outscoring the Valkyries 63-35 across the three games played so far in the series. In Game 3, a decisive 8-0 run, including four points from Reese, broke a tie at 49 and helped Atlanta build momentum.
Despite a late push by Golden State, which narrowed the gap to 59-55, Atlanta responded by scoring 12 of the final 14 points in the third quarter. A remarkable behind-the-head assist from Jordin Canada to Howard, who drew a foul, highlighted the Dream's effective play in the fourth quarter.
Gabby Williams scored 15 points and Tiffany Hayes added 14 for the Valkyries, who struggled to contain Atlanta's offense. The game saw a strong turnout, with State Farm Arena, chosen for its larger capacity over the Dream's usual venue, sold out for both Game 3 and the upcoming Game 4.
"Protect home court," Howard emphasized regarding the team’s mindset. "Giving our fans a show. We fought for this arena so we had to protect it."
The early part of the game saw Atlanta take a quick 9-1 lead, with Golden State missing their first eight shots. The Dream maintained their advantage, leading 23-15 after the first quarter, aided by consistent three-point shooting that continued into the second period.
Atlanta extended its lead to 37-26 midway through the second quarter. Although Golden State managed to trail 46-40 at halftime, the teams combined for 15 three-pointers in the first half, surpassing the total from either Game 1 or Game 2.
Reese led the Dream with 15 points at halftime, while WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year Janelle Salaun contributed 11 for the Valkyries. The WNBA Finals have garnered significant viewership, with Game 1 averaging 2.1 million viewers on NBC, the highest for a Finals opener, and Game 2 drawing 1.33 million viewers on USA Network.