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

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead with a commanding performance fueled by home-court advantage at State Farm Arena. The victory marks a significant shift in momentum, as the Dream overcame an early deficit to secure their first Finals win since 2013.

Key Performances

Angel Reese was the catalyst for Atlanta’s success, recording 21 points and 12 rebounds to complete a historic feat. She became the only woman in history to record consecutive double-doubles in her first three WNba Finals games. Her defensive presence neutralized Golden State’s offense, while Rhyne Howard (16 points) and Naz Hillmon (15 points) provided crucial support. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 15 points, but it was insufficient to counter Atlanta’s offensive surge.

Home Court Atmosphere

The atmosphere at State Farm Arena was described as electric, with over 17,000 fans wearing sky-blue and creating a deafening environment that disrupted Golden State’s rhythm. Celebrities including Kerry Washington and Ludacris attended, while halftime performances by Quavo and TI amplified the spectacle. CNN noted that this energy contrasted sharply with previous playoff games in Atlanta, where crowds had been sparse. The Dream’s ability to leverage this support allowed them to build a 21-point lead late in the fourth quarter.

Series Context

Despite missing star Caitlin Clark and A’Ja Wilson, who were eliminated earlier, the league saw record-breaking viewership and ticket prices. The Valkyries, in their second season, remain competitive but now face elimination in Game 4 on Saturday. Reese emphasized that the job is not finished, stating, “We’re still pissed that we lost the first game.” The Dream will look to close out the series at home, aiming to end their championship drought.

Source: Al Jazeera highlights Reese’s statistical dominance, while Source: The Guardian details the cultural spectacle, and Source: CNN provides context on the venue logistics and fan engagement.