Angel Reese Shines in WNBA Finals as Atlanta Dream Evens Series

Angel Reese made a significant impact in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. She scored 30 points and secured 16 rebounds, helping the Atlanta Dream achieve a 79-65 victory over the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. With this performance, Reese became the youngest player to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a WNBA postseason game.

In Game 1, Reese started strong with 11 points in the first quarter but did not score from the field after that. Game 2 was different; her contributions were consistent throughout the match. She also added 3 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal to her stat line.

The Dream’s win in Game 2 ended a losing streak in the WNBA Finals. Atlanta reached the finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013 but lost each series without winning a single game. They also dropped Game 1 of this series, making Reese’s performance crucial in breaking the 0-10 finals game record.

“It took four trips to the Finals for the Dream to finally win a game.”

A pre-game incident surrounded the national anthem, with both teams staying off the court as the anthem played. This act drew attention since the WNBA rulebook requires players, coaches, and trainers to stand during the anthem. The league has yet to address questions about the teams’ decisions.

During the game, Reese provided key moments for Atlanta. In the first half, she scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Despite a brief frustration in the third quarter, where she momentarily removed herself from a play, Reese quickly regained her focus. She blocked a shot by Tiffany Hayes and converted a three-point play through contact.

Her intensity was evident when cameras caught her shouting to her team, demanding the ball after a strong basket.

Throughout the third quarter, Reese added nine points while Golden State struggled with their offense, matching Reese’s scoring output for the quarter. The Valkyries failed to exploit Reese’s foul trouble, as she avoided further fouls in the second half while Golden State relied on jump shots.

In the fourth quarter, Reese continued her scoring, finishing with a 24-foot three-pointer that extended Atlanta’s lead to 74-55. The Dream maintained their dominance, leading by 21 points with over six minutes left.

The series now moves to Atlanta, with Game 3 scheduled at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.