DREAM HISTORY MADE! Atlanta Claims First WNBA Finals Victory Behind Reese’s Dominant Performance

The Atlanta Dream answered their Game 1 defeat with their most complete performance of the series, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 79-65 at Chase Center on Monday night.

Led by Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard’s defensive pressure and another all-around performance from Jordin Canada, Atlanta evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1 and secured the first Finals win in franchise history.

For a team that reached the Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013 without winning a championship-series game, the result ended a long wait and sent the Dream home with a chance to take the lead in front of their fans at State Farm Arena.

Reese delivered one of the most impressive performances of her young career, finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and one steal. The 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year became the youngest player in league history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game. She also became the first player in Dream history to record double-doubles in consecutive Finals games after posting 14 points and 12 rebounds in Saturday’s opener.

“I let my team down last game, not really contributing as much as I could in the second half,” Reese said. “I wanted to make sure that I came out tonight and left my mark and did what I could to win, and I think I did that tonight.”

Allisha Gray added 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal, giving Atlanta a reliable scoring option alongside Reese. Canada recorded a double-double with 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, organizing the offense and creating opportunities for her teammates.

Head Coach Karl Smesko said he made eye contact with Reese before the game and told her, “I like this look.” He added, “She was fantastic on both ends of the floor; just a superior performance.”

While Reese led the offense, Howard made her biggest impact on defense. The All-Defensive First Team selection finished with six steals, setting a WNBA Finals record. She also contributed five points, two rebounds, two assists and one block.

DeWanna Bonner added nine points and four steals off the bench. Howard and Bonner combined for 10 of Atlanta’s 14 steals, helping the Dream set a franchise record for steals in a Finals game.

The defensive effort marked a sharp turnaround from Game 1, when Atlanta struggled to capitalize on turnovers and received limited production from its reserves. This time, the Dream forced 19 Golden State turnovers and converted them into 24 points. Atlanta also scored 19 fast-break points, using defensive pressure to create opportunities before the Valkyries could establish their half-court defense.

Atlanta’s pressure became especially effective after halftime. The Dream outscored Golden State 21-9 in the third quarter, turning a close game into a double-digit lead and controlling the contest from there.

The Dream’s starting lineup of Canada, Gray, Howard, Naz Hillmon and Reese improved to 4-1 together this postseason, reflecting the chemistry that has helped Atlanta navigate the playoffs.

The result also brought Atlanta’s all-time postseason record against Golden State to 1-1, with both meetings taking place at Chase Center.

After watching a late lead disappear in Game 1, Atlanta responded with greater discipline and defensive intensity. The Dream combined Reese’s interior dominance with timely scoring, aggressive perimeter defense and contributions from the bench to avoid another road loss.

The series now shifts to Atlanta, where the Dream will compete for the title in front of a home crowd that has waited 13 years to see the team return to the Finals.

Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET, and Game 4 for Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. ET. Both games will take place at State Farm Arena, which will become the franchise’s permanent home beginning with the 2027 WNBA season.

Saturday’s matchup will also be part of a basketball doubleheader, with the Atlanta Hawks hosting the Houston Rockets later that evening for their NBA regular-season home opener.

For Atlanta basketball fans, the next two games offer a chance to see whether the Dream can build on their road performance and move within one win of the WNBA championship.