ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream gained a crucial 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals with a commanding 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena. After struggling with their shooting in the first two games in San Francisco, the Dream capitalized on a strong home performance marked by efficient scoring and defensive pressure.
Atlanta shot 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range, with all seven rotation players contributing at least seven points. The team took control early, sprinting to a 6-0 start and maintaining the lead throughout the contest. Though Golden State briefly tied the game at 49 in the third quarter, the Dream responded immediately. A key reverse layup by Rhyne Howard helped set the stage for a decisive 22-8 run that pushed Atlanta ahead by 14 points entering the final quarter.
Angel Reese led the Dream with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, becoming the first player in WNBA Finals history to record a double-double in each of her first three games. Howard added 16 points, while Jordin Canada took advantage of the improved perimeter shooting to penetrate Golden State’s smaller defenders, scoring efficiently in the paint.
The Valkyries, hindered by a 35 percent shooting night and subpar free-throw shooting (11-for-17), struggled to contain Atlanta’s balanced offensive attack. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase highlighted Janelle Salaun’s performance as a positive, noting the sixth player of the year’s confidence and defensive effort. Salaun, who had been limited in the first two games, contributed by knocking down three three-pointers and delivering much-needed offensive spark off the bench.
Despite Salaun’s contributions, the Valkyries’ defensive rotations showed vulnerabilities. Matchups such as Angel Reese against rookie center Amiata Gueye often favored the Dream, who exploited mismatches and forced turnovers. Golden State also faced challenges with Kaitlyn Chen, whose offensive struggles (2 points on 1-of-5 shooting) and defensive lapses left the team at a disadvantage during her time on the floor.
Throughout the series, Atlanta’s third-quarter performance has been a critical factor, with the Dream posting a plus-35.6 net rating in the postseason before Wednesday’s game. That dominance continued in Game 3, as Atlanta repeatedly outpaced Golden State during the middle period.
Golden State’s perseverance remained evident, with coach Nakase emphasizing the team’s readiness to make adjustments heading into Game 4 on Saturday. “What’s good is we usually come back even tighter,” she said, praising the team’s accountability and unity despite the setback. The Valkyries will look to regroup at home as Atlanta seeks to capitalize on its momentum in the series.