Angel Reese Leads Atlanta Dream to First-Ever WNBA Finals Series Lead

Liberty Check

• The WNBA continues to ignore its own rulebook requiring players to stand for the national anthem, showing contempt for American traditions.
• Atlanta fans packed State Farm Arena in a powerful display of support for their team and the American spirit.
• Angel Reese is proving that hard work and excellence still matter in a league increasingly distracted by political messaging.

Angel Reese delivered another dominant performance Wednesday night, leading the Atlanta Dream to a decisive victory and their first lead in WNBA Finals history. The Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 at State Farm Arena, moving within two wins of a championship.

Reese finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, giving her 51 points and 28 rebounds across Atlanta’s two wins in the series. The young star became the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to record consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound games.

“Reese became the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive games, joining A’ja Wilson as the only players to accomplish the feat.”

State Farm Arena was a sellout for Game 3, with fans creating an electric atmosphere that answered questions about whether Atlanta could support Finals basketball. The crowd responded with thunderous approval every time Reese dominated the paint.

Before tip-off, both teams once again left the court during the national anthem, marking their third straight absence during the series. This continued disregard for league protocol has drawn increasing criticism from fans who expect players to honor the country that provides their platform.

“The WNBA’s rulebook calls for players, coaches and trainers to stand and line up during the anthem, and the league has not answered OutKick’s questions about the absences.”

Once the game began, Reese took control immediately, scoring Atlanta’s first basket and finishing the opening quarter with eight points, including a three-pointer that helped establish a double-digit lead. Golden State struggled from the start, missing their first eight shots of the contest.

The Dream never looked back after building their early advantage, with Naz Hillmon adding crucial three-point shooting and Rhyne Howard delivering her best offensive performance of the series with 16 points. Atlanta held Golden State’s Gabby Williams to just 15 points on inefficient shooting.

Atlanta now sits two victories away from their first WNBA championship after entering the Finals without a single series win in three previous appearances. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at State Farm Arena.

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