Atlanta Dream 79,
Golden State Valkyries 65
The Atlanta Dream delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat the Golden State Valkyries 79–65 in Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, evening the best-of-seven championship series at 1–1.
Angel Reese dominated inside with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Atlanta’s defense shut down Golden State during a decisive third quarter.
After losing Game 1 by four points, the Dream responded with their first victory in WNBA Finals history.
Game recap: Atlanta takes control
First quarter — Valkyries establish an early lead
Golden State opened with energy in front of its home crowd, taking a 21–18 lead after the first quarter.
Atlanta stayed close behind Reese’s inside scoring and rebounding, but the Valkyries initially appeared capable of protecting their home-court advantage.
Second quarter — Dream fight back
Atlanta found its rhythm offensively and outscored Golden State 21–16 in the second period.
The Dream went into halftime holding a narrow 39–37 advantage, setting up a critical second half.
Third quarter — Atlanta breaks the game open
The third quarter decided the contest. Atlanta outscored Golden State 21–9, applying pressure defensively and converting the Valkyries’ mistakes into transition opportunities.
Reese continued to dominate the paint, while Rhyne Howard disrupted Golden State’s offense with timely steals. Jordin Canada orchestrated Atlanta’s attack, helping the visitors stretch their lead to 60–46 entering the final quarter.
The Valkyries struggled to generate clean looks, and the Dream’s defensive intensity turned a close game into a comfortable advantage.
Fourth quarter — Dream finish the job
Golden State attempted to mount a late comeback, but Atlanta maintained control and matched the Valkyries with 19 points in the final period.
Canada added a spectacular half-court buzzer-beater during the game, highlighting Atlanta’s confidence and offensive execution.
The Dream closed out the 79–65 victory without allowing Golden State to seriously threaten their lead.
Atlanta Dream player report
Angel Reese — Player of the Game
30 PTS · 16 REB
Reese was the dominant force on both ends of the floor. She shot 10-for-16 from the field, added three assists and two blocks, and repeatedly delivered when Atlanta needed a basket or defensive stop.
Her 30-point, 16-rebound performance placed her among the elite individual performances in WNBA Finals history.
Jordin Canada — Floor General
13 PTS · 10 AST · 7 REB
Canada controlled the tempo, created scoring opportunities and helped Atlanta capitalize on turnovers.
Her playmaking was crucial to the Dream’s dominant third quarter.
Allisha Gray — Scoring Support
18 points
Gray provided important secondary scoring, preventing Golden State from focusing its entire defensive game plan on Reese.
Rhyne Howard — Defensive Disruptor
Howard recorded six steals, setting a WNBA Finals record.
Her ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers helped Atlanta control the game.
Golden State Valkyries player report
Gabby Williams — 14 points
Williams led Golden State’s scoring but had a difficult shooting night, making just three of 15 attempts from the field. After scoring 26 points in Game 1, she faced a much more aggressive Atlanta defense.
The Valkyries received some early contributions from their supporting cast, but the offense lost its rhythm after halftime.
Their nine-point third quarter was particularly damaging, and 19 turnovers gave Atlanta too many opportunities to run in transition.
Three keys to Atlanta’s victory.
Reese’s dominance in the paint.
Her 30 points and 16 rebounds gave Atlanta a consistent offensive option and a physical presence Golden State struggled to contain.
Turnovers and transition scoring.
Atlanta scored 24 points off Golden State’s 19 turnovers and generated 19 fast-break points.
The Valkyries failed to score a fast-break point.
The third-quarter defensive surge.
Holding Golden State to nine points in the third period allowed Atlanta to build a lead it could protect for the rest of the game.
What Game 2 means for the championship
The series now shifts to Atlanta with both teams having secured a victory on Golden State’s home floor.
Atlanta Dream: The Dream have their first Finals victory and renewed confidence after responding to their Game 1 loss.
Reese’s interior dominance and Howard’s defensive pressure will be central to their championship hopes.
Golden State Valkyries: Golden State must reduce turnovers, improve its half-court offense and find more consistent scoring beyond Williams.
The Game 2 loss also ends the team’s run of regulation victories dating back to August
Game 3 preview
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
State Farm Arena · Atlanta, Georgia
Series: Tied 1–1
The next two games are scheduled for Atlanta, where the Dream will have an opportunity to seize control of the championship series.
Final verdict
Atlanta Dream 79, Golden State Valkyries 65.
The Dream answered their Game 1 defeat with a disciplined, physical and defensively dominant performance.
Angel Reese delivered a Finals-calibre statement, Canada controlled the offense, Gray supplied scoring support, and Howard set a defensive record.
Golden State’s first-half competitiveness could not survive Atlanta’s third-quarter surge.
Series outlook: The championship is now a best-of-five battle.
Atlanta has momentum, but with Game 3 moving to Georgia, Golden State will have to prove it can respond under pressure away from home.
