Atlanta’s Angel Reese made a clear statement to her teammates during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, emphatically expressing her need for the ball. Facing the Golden State Valkyries at home, Reese understood the importance of stepping up her performance along with her vocal demands.
She rose to the occasion, recording 30 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Dream to a 79-65 victory over the Valkyries, leveling the series at one game apiece. Reflecting on her previous struggles in the series opener, Reese acknowledged her determination to contribute in various aspects beyond scoring, such as setting quality screens and hustling for rebounds.
In addition to Reese’s standout performance, Rhyne Howard set a Finals record with six steals, Allisha Gray added 18 points, and Jordin Canada contributed 13 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. This victory marked the Dream’s first Finals win in franchise history after three winless appearances.
Looking ahead, Game 3 will take place in Atlanta, with the next two games relocated to the larger State Farm Arena to accommodate more fans. The change in venue aims to capitalize on the enthusiastic support of the home crowd, which has been a significant factor in the Valkyries’ success at Chase Center.
Despite a strong showing from Gabby Williams in the series opener, where she scored 26 points, the Valkyries struggled in Game 2, shooting poorly from the field and beyond the arc. The Dream capitalized on Golden State’s turnovers, scoring 24 points off 19 turnovers to secure the crucial win.
Reese’s resilience and the team’s defensive intensity were key factors in Atlanta’s victory, showcasing their determination to compete at the highest level. As the series shifts to Atlanta, both teams are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup in front of a lively home crowd.