Atlanta Dream Take 2-1 WNBA Finals Lead Behind Angel Reese

Atlanta Dream Take Series Lead Behind Angel Reese

Angel Reese scored 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds on Wednesday night, leading the Atlanta Dream to a 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries to capture a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals. Rhyne Howard added 16 points and Naz Hillmon contributed 15 for the Dream, who hosted Game 3 at State Farm Arena in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 17,000 spectators. Reese scored the first basket of the game and finished with three assists and three steals, recording a double-double in each game of the series so far. It feels good when you’re in the finals. We’re feeling good going into Saturday.

Third-Quarter Surge Breaks Open Tight Contest

With the score tied 49-49 in the third quarter, Atlanta seized control by rattling off eight consecutive points, capped by four points from Reese. Golden State trimmed the deficit to 59-55 on a layup by Tiffany Hayes, but the Dream responded by dominating the remainder of the frame. Atlanta closed the third quarter by scoring 12 of the final 14 points, extending a series-long trend that has seen the Dream outscore the Valkyries 63-35 in third quarters across the first three games.

Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream Take WNBA Finals LEAD with BLOWOUT Win Over Golden State Valkyries

State Farm Arena Crowd Fuels Home Victory

Rhyne Howard and Naz Hillmon helped the offense as five Atlanta players finished in double figures, with Isobel Borlase adding 12 points and Jordin Canada contributing 10. Off the court, the venue shift from the smaller Gateway Center Arena, which seats only 3,500 people, to State Farm Arena allowed a much larger crowd to attend after the league worked with the Atlanta Hawks. Courtside seats featured notable figures including actors and musicians, with the crowd including music stars Ludacris and 2 Chainz alongside actor Kerry Washington. The sold-out venue featured fans decked out in Atlanta blue with matching towels while chanting Let’s go, Dream. Protect home court, Rhyne Howard said regarding the team’s focus. Giving our fans a show. We fought for this arena so we had to protect it. It’s big. We went and stole one but we can’t let them come in and do the same thing.

Golden State Seeks Answers Ahead of Game 4

For the Valkyries, Gabby Williams scored 15 points and Tiffany Hayes added 14 in the Game 3 loss, alongside 11 points off the bench from Janelle Salaün in the first half and contributions from Cecilia Zandalasini.