Angel Reese Leads Atlanta Dream to Dominant Game 3 Win, Takes 2-1 WNBA Finals Lead Over Valkyries

Angel Reese continues to deliver on the biggest stage in basketball. The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 in Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. Reese led the Dream with 21 points and 12 rebounds, adding three assists and three steals while shooting 7-of-12 from the field. Following her historic 30-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2, Reese recorded another double-double to keep Atlanta rolling toward its first WNBA championship.

Reese’s consistency is becoming one of the defining stories of these Finals. At just 24 years old, she became the youngest player in WNBA history to record double-doubles in three consecutive Finals games. She also became the youngest player to score at least 20 points and grab 10 rebounds in consecutive Finals games. After Atlanta struggled to generate enough offense in Game 1, Reese responded with back-to-back dominant performances, demonstrating her ability to score, control the glass and impact the game defensively. Her production has helped transform the momentum of the series and put the Dream two wins away from a championship.

Game 3 featured another crucial third-quarter surge from Atlanta. After Golden State tied the game at 49, the Dream answered with an eight-point run that included four points from Reese. Atlanta continued applying pressure on both ends of the floor, closing the third quarter on a decisive run to build a 71-57 advantage. The Dream’s defense limited the Valkyries to 71 points, while Atlanta’s offense found its rhythm with five players scoring in double figures. Rhyne Howard finished with 16 points and five steals, Naz Hillmon added 15 points, and Izzy Borlase contributed 12. The Dream shot approximately 49% from the field and capitalized on Golden State’s turnovers to turn a competitive contest into a convincing 26-point victory.

With the series now shifting toward Game 4 on Saturday, October 24, Atlanta has an opportunity to move within one victory of its first WNBA championship. Reese has become the centerpiece of the Dream’s Finals run, combining historic individual production with the leadership and energy her teammates continue to praise. Following the victory, Reese credited Atlanta’s fans for creating an electric atmosphere at State Farm Arena and encouraged them to return for the next game. The Valkyries now face a critical challenge against a Dream team gaining confidence with every performance. If Reese continues playing at this level, Atlanta will have a powerful opportunity to make franchise history.