Angel Reese leads Atlanta Dream over Golden State in WNBA Finals
Angel Reese guided Atlanta to a 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night. The win gives Atlanta a 2-1 series lead in the championship round.
Reese finished the contest with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Rhyne Howard added 16 points for the home squad. Naz Hillmon contributed 15 points in the victory.
Reese recorded 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2. She now has a double-double in every game of the championship series. Game 2 was the franchise’s first victory in the finals.
“It feels good when you’re in the finals. It’s a long season and you play against everybody and go through and push through, but when you can do it at the highest level, this is what you live for, this is what the offseason is for,” Reese said.
The score was tied at 49 during the third period. Atlanta quickly posted eight straight points. Golden State cut the margin to 59-55 on a layup by Tiffany Hayes. Atlanta then scored 12 of the next 14 points.
Atlanta has outscored Golden State 63-35 combined in third quarters during this series. Gabby Williams posted 15 points for Golden State. Hayes scored 14 points for the visitors.
During the fourth quarter, Jordin Canada overthrew a pass on a fast break. Reese saved the ball under the rim to Howard. Howard drew a foul on the play.
“Protect home court,” Howard said. “Giving our fans a show. We fought for this arena so we had to protect it.”
The contest was planned for Thursday at Gateway Center Arena. League leaders coordinated with the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena to host the games. Gateway Center Arena holds 3,500 people. State Farm Arena holds over 17,000 fans.
The Wednesday meeting sold out entirely. Saturday will bring Game 4 at State Farm Arena. Musician Ludacris attended the game. Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom announced plans to attend the matchup.
The team and arena staff offered Freedom a private suite for protection. He refused the suite seating. Staff removed him from the venue.
Atlanta took a 9-1 lead in the first five minutes. Golden State missed its first eight shot attempts. Aminata Gueye scored Golden State’s first basket with 4:39 remaining. Atlanta ended the opening period ahead 23-15.
The teams combined to make 15 of 31 three-pointers in the first half. Atlanta carried a 46-40 advantage into halftime. Reese scored 15 points in the half. Sixth Woman of the Year Janelle Salaun scored 11 points for Golden State.
Game 1 on NBC drew an average of 2.1 million viewers. Game 2 on USA Network averaged 1.33 million viewers.
Professional basketball finals follow a multi-game playoff format to determine a league winner. Teams alternate host venues during the championship round.
Atlanta will host Game 4 on Saturday at State Farm Arena. The series continues this weekend.
