The Atlanta Dream are turning their first WNBA Finals appearance in 13 years into a statement on the court and a celebration throughout the city.
Atlanta defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97–71 in Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21, taking a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. Angel Reese recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds, while a sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena gave the Dream a memorable home-court advantage.
The victory followed Atlanta's 79–65 win in Game 2, meaning the Dream have now won consecutive games after dropping the series opener. They are two wins away from their first WNBA championship.
Atlanta's Home Crowd Makes Its Presence Felt
State Farm Arena provided a striking setting for the Dream's first home game of the Finals. Fans filled the venue in coordinated blue shirts, waved rally towels and created a lively atmosphere throughout the night.
The crowd included celebrities such as Ludacris and Kerry Washington, while Atlanta's musical culture was reflected in the entertainment surrounding the game. The combination of basketball and local star power gave the Finals matchup the feel of a major citywide event.
The venue was also significant for practical reasons. The Dream normally play many of their home games at the much smaller Gateway Center Arena, which seats approximately 3,500 spectators. State Farm Arena can accommodate more than 17,000, giving far more fans the opportunity to watch a championship game in person.
The WNBA, both teams and arena partners worked together to move Games 3 and 4 to State Farm Arena. The change allowed Atlanta to showcase the team on a much larger stage.
The result was a sold-out arena and an energetic crowd that remained involved as the Dream pulled away in the second half.
Angel Reese Continues Her Historic Finals Run
Reese once again led Atlanta with a double-double, finishing with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Her performance continued an outstanding start to her first WNBA Finals appearance.
The forward has recorded a double-double in each of the series' first three games, becoming the youngest player in league history to achieve the feat in three consecutive Finals games. She also became the youngest player to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive Finals games.
Reese's influence extends beyond scoring. Her rebounding, physical presence and defensive energy have helped Atlanta compete against a Golden State team known for its depth and disciplined approach.
Rhyne Howard contributed 16 points, while Naz Hillmon added 15 as Atlanta placed five players in double figures. The balanced scoring made it difficult for the Valkyries to focus their defensive attention on a single player.
For Reese and her teammates, the opportunity is now clear: protect home court in Game 4 and move within one victory of the championship.
Dream Defense Changes the Game
Atlanta's defensive pressure was central to the victory. The Dream disrupted Golden State's offensive rhythm, contested shots and forced the Valkyries to work deep into the shot clock.
Golden State missed its first eight field-goal attempts and did not score its first basket until nearly five minutes into the game. Atlanta established an early advantage and carried a 23–15 lead into the second quarter.
The Valkyries fought back and briefly drew level at 49 in the third quarter. However, Atlanta responded with a decisive scoring run, finishing the period strongly to take control heading into the fourth.
The Dream's ability to create turnovers and convert defensive stops into transition opportunities proved crucial. Their physical defense also limited the impact of several Golden State starters, preventing the visitors from finding consistent offensive production.
Rhyne Howard made history with another strong defensive performance, recording at least five steals for the second consecutive Finals game. Her pressure in the passing lanes helped Atlanta disrupt Golden State's preferred offensive actions.
The Valkyries' bench still outscored Atlanta's reserves, but that advantage could not compensate for the Dream's defensive control and more effective scoring from their starters.
Golden State Must Find Answers Before Game 4
Gabby Williams led Golden State with 15 points, while Tiffany Hayes scored 14. Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaün each added 13 points.
Despite those contributions, the Valkyries struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm once Atlanta began to pull away. Their starters had difficulty converting opportunities, leaving the team dependent on its reserves to stay competitive.
Golden State has already shown it can win on the road, taking Game 1 before Atlanta responded with two straight victories. The Valkyries will need better execution on offense and a stronger defensive response if they hope to even the series.
They also face the challenge of slowing Reese, whose performances have become a defining feature of the Finals so far.
Game 4 Could Be a Turning Point
The teams will return to State Farm Arena on Saturday, October 24, for Game 4. Atlanta will have another opportunity to capitalize on its home support and move one win away from the championship.
A victory would give the Dream a 3–1 series lead and put them in position to close out the Finals when the series returns to Golden State, if necessary. A Valkyries win, meanwhile, would even the series and restore their home-court opportunity.
Atlanta has reached the WNBA Finals three times before, with each previous appearance ending in a sweep. This team has already secured the franchise's first Finals victories and now has a genuine chance to make history.
The Dream's latest performance showed the value of their defensive identity, Reese's dominant play and the energy of their home crowd. If they can reproduce that combination in Game 4, Atlanta could move within one step of its first WNBA title.
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