Angel Reese Fuels Atlanta Dream to WNBA Finals Lead with Stellar Performance

ATLANTA – Forward Angel Reese played a pivotal role in the Atlanta Dream securing their first-ever victory in a WNBA Finals game on Monday, and just two nights later, she helped them establish their initial series lead in the championship round.

Reese concluded Wednesday night's contest at State Farm Arena with an impressive 21 points and 12 rebounds, propelling Atlanta to a 97-71 triumph over the Golden State Valkyries. This win gives the Dream a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series. Across Atlanta's two victories, Reese has accumulated a total of 51 points and 28 rebounds.

Her performance marked a historic achievement, as Reese became the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to achieve at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games. She now stands alongside A'ja Wilson as only the second player ever to accomplish this feat.

Reese's Historic Contributions

From the outset, Reese picked up right where she left off in San Francisco. She netted Atlanta's first basket of the game and contributed eight points in the opening quarter, including a three-pointer that extended the Dream's lead to 22-12. Golden State struggled early, missing its first eight shots and not making a field goal until 4:38 remained in the first period. Atlanta finished the quarter ahead 23-15.

Reese continued her scoring in the second quarter, adding another three-pointer and heading into halftime with 15 points, matching her first-half output from Game 2. Naz Hillmon also contributed significantly with three first-half three-pointers, helping Atlanta maintain a 46-40 lead at the break.

The Valkyries mounted a challenge to start the third quarter. Cecilia Zandalasini quickly hit two three-pointers within the first 68 seconds, tying the game at 48, and then again at 49.

Atlanta, however, responded decisively with Reese at the forefront. After Rhyne Howard put the Dream back in front, Reese made two free throws, assisted on a layup by Isobel Borlase, and then scored on a running layup herself. This sequence capped an 8-0 run, giving Atlanta a 57-49 advantage.

Although Golden State managed to cut the deficit to four points, the Dream continued to score effectively even after Reese went to the bench with 3:31 left in the quarter. DeWanna Bonner initiated a 12-2 run to close the period with a three-pointer, contributing five points during that stretch. Atlanta entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 71-57 lead, and the Valkyries never seriously threatened in the final period.

Team Effort Secures Victory

Beyond Reese's stellar play, other Dream players delivered strong performances. Naz Hillmon finished the game with 15 points, while Jordin Canada dished out 8 assists. Rhyne Howard recorded her best offensive outing of the series, scoring 16 points.

Atlanta's defense also successfully contained Golden State's Gabby Williams, who tallied 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting.

Arena Atmosphere and Anthem Protocol

Ahead of tip-off, both teams once again exited the court during the national anthem, marking their third consecutive absence in the series. They returned to the floor moments after the performance concluded. The WNBA's official rulebook mandates that players, coaches, and trainers stand and line up during the anthem, though the league has not yet addressed questions regarding these repeated absences.

The home crowd at State Farm Arena provided a powerful atmosphere for the Dream's crucial Game 3. The arena was sold out and vibrantly loud, emphatically answering previous questions about whether Atlanta could fill the venue for the Finals.

After entering these Finals without a single win in their three prior championship appearances and losing Saturday's opener, Reese and the Dream are now just two victories away from clinching their first WNBA championship. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at State Farm Arena.