Angel Reese Powers Dream as WNBA Finals Shift to Atlanta Tied 1–1
October 21, 2026
ATLANTA — The WNBA Finals move to Atlanta on Wednesday with the championship series tied 1–1 after Angel Reese helped the Dream defeat the Golden State Valkyries 79–65 in Game 2 on Monday, October 19. [1]
Reese delivered 30 points and 16 rebounds as Atlanta earned its first Finals victory in franchise history. The Dream had been swept in their three previous Finals appearances and lost this year’s opener, making Monday’s response a breakthrough as the series changes cities. [1]
Atlanta paired that production with disruptive defense. Rhyne Howard recorded six steals, and the Dream generated 24 points off turnovers while holding Golden State to 34.4% shooting. Jordin Canada contributed 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. [2]
The Dream led 39–37 at halftime before outscoring the Valkyries 21–9 in the third quarter. Atlanta made all 12 of its free throws in that period, built a 60–46 advantage and never allowed its lead to fall below 14 in the fourth. [2]
Golden State heads to Atlanta after its first playoff defeat at Chase Center. Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes scored 14 points apiece in Game 2, but the Valkyries committed 18 turnovers, according to SFGATE’s coverage. [3]
The loss does not erase Golden State’s rapid rise. The Valkyries reached the Finals in just their second season, following a playoff appearance in their inaugural 2025 campaign. They advanced to this championship series by sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 3–0 in the semifinals. [4]
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at State Farm Arena, tipping off at 7 p.m. Central / 8 p.m. Eastern on USA Network, CNBC and Peacock. The league moved the game up one day to accommodate the venue. [5]
Game 4 follows at the same arena on Saturday, October 24, at noon Central / 1 p.m. Eastern on NBC and Peacock. The larger venue will allow more fans to attend Atlanta’s first home Finals games since 2013. [5]
Sources and full links:
- ABC News / AAP — Game 2 report
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-20/izzy-borlase-angel-reese-atlanta-dream-wnba-finals/107289118 - Atlanta Dream — Official Game 2 recap
https://dream.wnba.com/news/dream-wins-its-first-ever-finals-game-with-win-over-golden-state - SFGATE — Game 2 coverage
https://www.sfgate.com/valkyries/article/valkyries-finals-fans-photos-22484603.php - Golden State Valkyries — Official Finals announcement
https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-2026-wnba-finals-20261009 - WNBA — Official venue and schedule update
https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-finals-games3-and-4-to-be-played-at-state-farm-arena