Reese Struggles as Valkyries Tie WNBA Finals

ATLANTA – Angel Reese faced a tough game on Saturday as the Golden State Valkyries tied the WNBA Finals series at 2–2. Her performance was a stark contrast to her previous games, ending with eight points and nine rebounds. She shot 2-for-12 and committed six turnovers in the Dream’s 67–62 loss at State Farm Arena.

In earlier matches, Reese had combined for 51 points and 28 rebounds, which boosted her confidence for Game 4. However, a series of missed opportunities, including numerous layup attempts, marked her challenging afternoon. Her struggle to finish around the basket and maintain ball possession contributed to a scoreless first quarter. By halftime, Reese had accumulated only four points along with five turnovers and three fouls.

Beyond Reese’s difficulties, the entire Atlanta Dream team suffered, generating 14 first-half turnovers and attempting just 19 shots compared to Golden State’s 40. The Valkyries capitalized, closing the first half with an 18–6 run, leading 42–26 at the break.

In the third quarter, the Dream narrowed the gap to six points after Isobel Borlase’s three-pointer. Yet, baskets from Tiffany Hayes and Gabby Williams helped the Valkyries maintain a 54–45 advantage going into the fourth.

Reese’s struggles continued in the fourth quarter as she missed five shots, including layups and a tip shot, critical during a phase when the Dream closed within six points. Despite these efforts, Reese succeeded in only one layup in the quarter, with the Valkyries quickly regaining control through crucial plays, such as Veronica Burton’s three-pointer.

Atlanta missed several opportunities, including consecutive three-point attempts by Allisha Gray and Borlase. Ultimately, the Dream’s free throw performance, ending 22-for-31, and Gray’s early fifth foul compounded their challenges.

Game 5 of the best-of-seven series takes place Monday in San Francisco’s Chase Center.