Key Highlights
- Angel Reese tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals to guide the Atlanta Dream to a 97-71 Game 3 victory over the Golden State Valkyries, claiming a 2-1 series lead.
- Reese made WNBA history by becoming the first player ever to post a double-double in each of her first three career WNBA Finals games.
- Averaging 21.7 points and 13.3 rebounds in the series, Reese joins Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson as the only players to reach those marks across any three-game Finals stretch.
Angel Reese Drives Atlanta Dream to Crucial Game 3 Finals Victory
Angel Reese continues to provide the Atlanta Dream with the dominant interior play, defensive disruption, and relentless rebounding the team envisioned when acquiring her. On Wednesday, the 24-year-old forward turned in another commanding postseason showcase, registering 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in Atlanta’s 97-71 blowout win against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.
The decisive Game 3 victory pushes the Dream ahead 2-1 in the best-of-five championship series, leaving Atlanta two wins away from capturing the first championship in the history of the franchise. Following the outcome, the official WNBA social media channels recognized her game-altering contributions, writing: Angel Reese is a GAME CHANGER
The league also underscored her exceptional production and efficiency throughout the series, posting: Angel Reese turned up in front of the home crowd. She was consistent from start to finish recording 21 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL & 2 3PM on 7-12 shooting! She’s averaging 21.7 PPG & 13.3 RPG through the #2026WNBAFinals and becomes the second player to reach those averages across any 3-game WNBA Finals span, the other being A’ja Wilson.
Historic Production and a Dramatic Series Turnaround
The statistical milestone links Reese directly with Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, highlighting the caliber of play the Dream forward is demonstrating in her debut Finals appearance. By recording a double-double on Wednesday, Reese also secured a unique spot in the league record books as the first player in WNBA history to record a double-double in each of her first three career Finals appearances.
Her current run represents a sharp pivot from the series opener. In Game 1, the Dream surrendered an early advantage to drop a 68-64 contest, during which Reese was held scoreless throughout the entire second half after a strong first quarter. Taking full ownership of her lack of aggression, Reese responded with accountability regarding her hustle, rebounding, and screen-setting rather than focusing on the Valkyries’ defense.
That mindset ignited an immediate response in Game 2. Reese erupted for 30 points and 16 rebounds to lead Atlanta to a 79-65 victory—the franchise’s first-ever WNBA Finals win. That outing made her just the third player in league Finals history to tally at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a contest, joining Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.
Expanding Her Perimeter Threat and Controlling the Third Quarter
Reese’s development from beyond the arc has become a crucial weapon for Atlanta’s offensive schemes. After hitting both of her three-point attempts on Wednesday on 7-of-12 shooting overall, the Dream improved their record to a pristine 15-0 in games where Reese converts at least one shot from deep.
Game 3 proved that her Game 2 dominance was part of a consistent trend rather than an isolated burst. When the Golden State Valkyries tied the score at 49-49 midway through the third quarter, Reese helped shift the momentum back to the Dream. Atlanta broke the deadlock with an eight-point run, which featured four points from Reese, before closing out the frame on a 12-2 push to build an insurmountable lead that Golden State could not overcome.
Why This Matters
Angel Reese’s historic individual performances have fundamentally altered the balance of the WNBA Finals. After dropping Game 1, the Atlanta Dream have seized control of the series through defensive stops and overwhelming rebounding, largely generated by Reese’s presence inside. With Atlanta now holding a 2-1 series lead, the franchise stands within reach of its inaugural league title, while Reese’s rapid adaptation to championship pressure confirms her status among the league’s premier postseason performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What historic WNBA Finals records did Angel Reese set in Game 3?
Angel Reese became the first player in WNBA history to record a double-double in each of her first three career Finals appearances. Additionally, by averaging 21.7 points and 13.3 rebounds over the three games, she joined A’ja Wilson as the only players to achieve those averages across any three-game Finals span.
What is the current series score between the Dream and the Valkyries?
Following their 97-71 victory in Game 3, the Atlanta Dream hold a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals.
How does Angel Reese’s three-point shooting impact the Atlanta Dream’s success?
The Atlanta Dream hold an undefeated 15-0 record in games where Angel Reese makes at least one three-pointer, a stat extended after she went 2-for-2 from long range during Wednesday’s win.
