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22. October 2026

WNBA Finals 2026: Atlanta Dream Dominate Game 3, Take 2–1 Series Lead Over Golden State Valkyries

Article written by Admin in the category News

October 22, 2026 | WNBA Sports News

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream are moving closer to their first WNBA championship after defeating the Golden State Valkyries 97–71 in Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Wednesday, October 21, at State Farm Arena.

The victory gives Atlanta a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday, October 24.

Angel Reese Delivers Another Dominant Performance

Angel Reese continued her impressive Finals run, leading Atlanta with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

The performance followed her outstanding Game 2 showing, when she recorded 30 points and 16 rebounds to help the Dream even the series.

Reese also made WNBA history, becoming the youngest player to record double-doubles in three consecutive Finals games.

Atlanta received significant contributions from several players:

Angel Reese: 21 points, 12 rebounds
Rhyne Howard: 16 points, five steals
Naz Hillmon: 15 points
Isobel Borlase: 12 points
Jordin Canada: 10 points, eight assists

The Dream's balanced scoring and defensive pressure proved too much for Golden State.

Atlanta Takes Control in the Third Quarter

Golden State remained competitive during the first half, trailing Atlanta 46–40 at halftime.

The Valkyries fought back to tie the game at 49 early in the third quarter, briefly threatening to take control.

However, Atlanta responded with eight consecutive points and eventually closed the third quarter on a 12–2 run.

The Dream entered the fourth quarter leading 71–57 before extending their advantage to secure the 26-point victory.

Atlanta's defense limited Golden State to 34.8% shooting and forced 17 turnovers, resulting in 22 points off turnovers.

The Dream also shot approximately 49% from the field.

Golden State Struggles to Find Offensive Rhythm

The Valkyries faced difficulties establishing consistency on offense throughout the contest.

Gabby Williams led Golden State with 15 points, while Tiffany Hayes added 14.

Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini contributed 13 points each.

Golden State missed its first eight field-goal attempts and struggled to overcome Atlanta's defensive pressure.

Despite several promising stretches, the Valkyries could not sustain enough momentum to close the gap.

Golden State will now focus on adjustments before Saturday's critical Game 4 matchup.

WNBA Finals Series Recap

Game 1 — October 17

Golden State Valkyries 68, Atlanta Dream 64

Golden State opened the championship series with a closely contested victory.

Game 2 — October 19

Atlanta Dream 79, Golden State Valkyries 65

Angel Reese delivered 30 points and 16 rebounds as Atlanta secured its first-ever WNBA Finals game victory.

Game 3 — October 21

Atlanta Dream 97, Golden State Valkyries 71

The Dream dominated the second half behind Reese's double-double and strong team defense.

Current Series: Atlanta Dream lead 2–1.

Next Game: WNBA Finals Game 4

The series continues Saturday, October 24, with another matchup at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Game Information:

Matchup: Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM Eastern / 12:00 PM Central
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Television: NBC
Streaming: Peacock

A victory would give Atlanta a commanding 3–1 series advantage, leaving the Dream just one win away from their first championship.

Golden State, meanwhile, will attempt to even the series at 2–2 and regain momentum.

Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, October 26, at Chase Center in San Francisco.

What to Watch in Game 4

Atlanta will look to continue its defensive dominance while relying on Angel Reese's inside presence, rebounding, and scoring.

Golden State must improve its shooting efficiency, limit turnovers, and establish a stronger offensive rhythm.

Another major factor will be the home crowd. Game 3 was played before a sold-out audience at State Farm Arena, giving Atlanta a significant atmosphere advantage.

With the series entering a critical stage, Saturday's matchup could determine whether Atlanta moves to the brink of a championship or Golden State pulls the Finals back into a tie.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 WNBA Finals have showcased outstanding performances, historic achievements, and increasingly intense competition.

Angel Reese has emerged as one of the series' biggest stars, while Atlanta's defense and balanced offensive production have positioned the Dream as the team with momentum.

However, Golden State remains capable of responding, and the championship is far from decided.

All eyes now turn to Saturday's Game 4 as the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries continue their battle for the 2026 WNBA championship.