Angel Reese Dominates with 30 Points as Atlanta Dream Even WNBA Finals Series Against Golden State Valkyries

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese showcased a stellar performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 16 rebounds to lead her team to a crucial 79-65 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. This win, which took place in San Francisco on Monday night, levels the best-of-seven series at 1-1 and marks the franchise's first-ever Finals win after three previous attempts. Allisha Gray contributed 18 points for the Dream, who asserted control on both ends of the court in the second half. Rhyne Howard set a Finals record with six steals, and Jordin Canada added a near triple-double with 13 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. The Dream managed to salvage a split of the opening games in front of a vocal crowd at Chase Center.

“This environment is tough to play in. Shoutout to the fans. Shoutout to my team, though,” Reese commented post-game. “We came and fought. I mean, that Game 1 was tough for us. But we moved on.” Reese's performance places her among elite company, becoming the third player with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game, joining Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart. Valkyries center Kiah Stokes acknowledged Reese's impact, stating, “She was definitely way more aggressive; she had a great game. We let everyone kind of have their way.”

The series now shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Wednesday. To accommodate a larger audience, the next two games will be held at the NBA's Atlanta Hawks' State Farm Arena, which has a capacity of over 17,000, significantly larger than the Dream's usual home, Gateway Center Arena (3,500). Chase Center, the Valkyries' home, holds 18,064 and has been sold out since their inception last year.

For the Golden State Valkyries, Gabby Williams was the sole player to score in double figures with 14 points, despite shooting 3-for-15 from the field. Williams had been the leading scorer in Game 1 with 26 points. “We shot terribly,” said point guard Veronica Burton. “We missed shots that we make all the time.”

Despite facing foul trouble, Reese delivered key baskets and defensive stops in the second half, finishing 10-for-16 from the floor with three assists and two blocks. “We watched film and saw the things that we messed up on. When I said that they didn’t do anything to mess us up, it was literally just us,” Reese explained. “And we can see that tonight. And we’re gonna carry that over in Atlanta. Atlanta, y’all better pull up and pop out; I’m looking forward to it.” The Dream capitalized on Golden State's 19 turnovers, scoring 24 points off them, a stark contrast to their eight points off turnovers in Game 1. This victory also marked the Valkyries' first regulation loss since August 21.