ATLANTA, Ga. — October 21, 2026 — Angel Reese delivered another standout performance on the biggest stage, leading the Atlanta Dream to a commanding 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena.
Reese finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, recording another double-double as Atlanta took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. The Dream also established a franchise record for points scored in a WNBA Finals game, combining offensive efficiency with physical defense to pull away from Golden State.
Atlanta’s victory was built on its ability to control the paint, capitalize on turnovers and deliver a decisive third-quarter surge. Five Dream players scored in double figures, giving the home team the balanced offensive production needed to seize control of the series.
The Dream shot 49.3% from the field, becoming the first team in the series to shoot better than 35%. Golden State, meanwhile, connected on just 34.8% of its attempts and struggled to keep pace once Atlanta found its rhythm.
Reese Makes Her Mark on the Finals
Reese continued to build her postseason résumé with another productive performance. Her 21 points and 12 rebounds extended her remarkable run in the championship series, as she became the youngest player in WNBA history to record a double-double in three consecutive Finals games.
She also joined A’ja Wilson as just the second player to post at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive WNBA Finals games.
Reese’s production reflected Atlanta’s approach throughout the night: attack the basket, compete for rebounds and apply consistent pressure inside. The Dream outscored the Valkyries 44-20 in the paint, a 24-point advantage that helped define the game.
Atlanta’s interior dominance also created opportunities for its perimeter players and made it increasingly difficult for Golden State to defend the entire floor.
Dream Turn Defensive Pressure Into Offense
Atlanta’s defense played a major role in the victory, forcing 17 Golden State turnovers and converting those mistakes into 22 points.
Rhyne Howard was again a disruptive presence. After setting a WNBA Finals record with six steals in Game 2, Howard became the first player in league history to record at least five steals in consecutive Finals games. Her defensive activity helped Atlanta disrupt Golden State’s offensive flow and generate opportunities in transition.
The Dream also maintained a significant advantage in fast-break scoring throughout the series. Atlanta has outscored Golden State 43-11 in fast-break situations, underscoring the importance of turnovers, defensive rebounds and quick decisions in the open floor.
The Valkyries showed signs of a response early in the second half, but Atlanta’s defense and offensive execution ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Naz Hillmon Sparks a Critical Run
The game opened with Atlanta setting the tone, racing to a 9-1 lead. Golden State answered with a 7-0 run, briefly slowing the Dream’s momentum before Atlanta responded again.
Naz Hillmon helped swing the first quarter with two three-pointers during a 10-2 Atlanta run, pushing the Dream ahead 19-10. Hillmon finished with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, establishing career playoff highs with six field goals and three made three-pointers.
Golden State continued to compete, and the Valkyries opened the second half with an 8-2 burst that tied the game at 48. With the contest even at 49, however, Atlanta delivered the defining stretch of the night.
The Dream closed the third quarter on a 22-8 run, transforming a tight contest into a 14-point advantage entering the fourth. Atlanta carried that momentum into the final period, putting together another decisive 22-9 run to secure the 26-point victory.
The two surges demonstrated Atlanta’s ability to respond when challenged and turn a competitive game into a convincing win.
Balanced Scoring Gives Atlanta the Edge
Reese led the Dream with 21 points and 12 rebounds, but Atlanta’s supporting cast made sure the offense never depended on one player.
Howard contributed 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Hillmon added 15 points. Isobel Borlase delivered a strong postseason performance with 12 points and five rebounds, setting career playoff highs in points, field goals made and rebounds.
Jordin Canada also played an important role in the victory, finishing with eight assists. Her performance carried historical significance: Canada passed Angel McCoughtry for the most career playoff assists in Dream franchise history, reaching 104.
Canada’s ability to create opportunities for teammates helped Atlanta maintain its offensive rhythm and take advantage of Golden State’s defensive breakdowns.
The Dream’s collective effort was reflected in the final score. Five Atlanta players reached double figures, while the team shot efficiently from the field and consistently found ways to attack the basket.
Valkyries Search for Answers
Golden State received 15 points and eight assists from Gabby Williams, who recorded a career playoff high in assists while leading the Valkyries offensively.
Tiffany Hayes added 14 points, while Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini scored 13 points apiece. Salaün tied her career playoff highs with five made field goals and three three-pointers, while Zandalasini matched her playoff best with four made three-pointers.
Despite those contributions, Golden State could not overcome Atlanta’s interior scoring advantage and turnover pressure. The Valkyries struggled to convert enough possessions into points, shooting 34.8% from the field.
Kiah Stokes continued to contribute on the glass and around the rim. Her performance also came as she climbed several WNBA postseason statistical lists, including moving into 15th place in playoff defensive rebounds with 231.
Golden State will need a more consistent offensive performance and better ball security to even the series.
Game 4 Looms With Atlanta in Control
The Dream now have an opportunity to move within one victory of the championship when the teams return to State Farm Arena for Game 4 on Saturday, October 24. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Atlanta’s record-setting performance gives the Dream momentum, but the series remains unfinished. Golden State will have to respond to Atlanta’s physicality, defensive pressure and growing confidence if it hopes to regain control.
The historical context adds another layer to the matchup. Teams that have taken a 2-1 lead in WNBA Finals series played in a best-of-five-or-longer format have gone on to win the championship nine times in 13 opportunities.
This is only the second season in which the WNBA Finals have used a best-of-seven format, making each game especially important as the teams navigate the championship stage.
For Atlanta, the formula in Game 3 was clear: dominate the paint, force turnovers, share the scoring load and finish strong. Reese led the way, but the Dream’s collective performance delivered the result.
With the series now tilted in Atlanta’s favor, the pressure shifts to Golden State to answer in Game 4—or watch the Dream move one step closer to a championship.
