Atlanta Dream rolls past Valkyries 97-71 to take 2-1 lead in WNBA Finals

Atlanta — The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 on Wednesday in Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, taking a 2-1 lead in the championship series.

According to USA Today, which covered the game live from the arena, the win was sealed before more than 17,000 fans who packed the building. Angel Reese led the Dream with 21 points, 12 rebounds and three steals, recording her third double-double in three Finals games (she posted 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2).

Rhyne Howard added 16 points and five steals, becoming the first player in WNBA Finals history to record five or more steals in consecutive games, after the six she had in Game 2. Naz Hillmon contributed 15 points and Jordin Canada 10 points with eight assists, while nearly all of Atlanta's starters finished in double figures.

The Valkyries, who did not score their first field goal until the 4:38 mark of the first quarter —a hook shot by Aminata Gueye— continued their offensive struggles in the series: they shot 32% in Game 1 and 34% in Game 2. Gabby Williams led them with 15 points (5-of-18 from the field) and the bench added 38 points, which was not enough to contain Atlanta.

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock. Celebrities in the stands included Ludacris, Cam Newton, Ryan Clark, 2 Chainz, Dwight Howard and LSU coach Kim Mulkey, while rappers Quavo, T.I. and Dem Franchize Boyz headlined the halftime show.

Photo: The Peach Review

Source: USA Today