Angel Reese delivered another dominant all-round performance as the Atlanta Dream thrashed the Golden State Valkyries 97-71, moving into a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals.
Reese, a three-time WNBA All-Star and reigning defensive player of the year, built on her 30-point showing in game two on Monday. She again led Atlanta in scoring with 21 points, and the 24-year-old also dominated at the other end, finishing with 12 rebounds and three steals.
Reese sets Finals record as Dream spread scoring
Reese became the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to post more than 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games. She was also the only woman to record consecutive double-doubles in her first three Finals games.
Also read: Angel Reese scores 30 as Dream level WNBA Finals 1-1
Five Atlanta players finished in double figures. Rhyne Howard added 16 points, and Naz Hillmon scored 15. For Golden State, Gabby Williams was the top scorer with 15 points.
After the game, Reese said the team remained motivated despite losing the opener. “We know how good we are; we know our identity,” she said, adding that the job was not finished.
Atlanta pulls away after a tight start
Reese hit a three-pointer near the end of the first quarter, helping Atlanta to a 22-12 lead. Golden State trimmed the deficit to six points at half-time and levelled at 48-48 early in the third quarter.
Atlanta responded with an 8-0 run to pull clear again. The Dream then outscored the Valkyries 25-17 in the third quarter to head into the final period up by 14 points. Late in the fourth, they stretched the lead to 21, effectively sealing the contest.
Both sides seek first WNBA title ahead of game four
Game four takes place in Atlanta on Saturday. Both clubs are still chasing their first WNBA championship. The Dream have failed to win the title in three earlier Finals appearances, most recently in 2013.
The Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season last year. They are now contending for the championship in their second season.
