Angel Reese ignites Atlanta's celebration and makes history in the WNBA Finals

Angel Reese was once again a central figure on the biggest stage in the WNBA. The Atlanta Dream star led her team with 21 points and 12 rebounds in the 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the Finals, a result that put Atlanta ahead 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Reese also finished with three assists and three steals, shooting 7 of 12 from the field and a perfect 2 of 2 from three-point range. It was her second straight big game after the 30 points and 16 rebounds she recorded in Game 2.

Angel Reese makes history again

With this latest double-double, Reese became the youngest player in WNBA history to record three double-doubles in her first three Finals games. She also set the record as the youngest player to post at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive Finals games.

But the Dream's victory did not depend solely on its star. Rhyne Howard contributed 16 points and five steals, Naz Hillmon added 15, and Jordin Canada finished with 10 points and eight assists. Isobel Borlase chipped in another 12 points off the bench, and Atlanta ended up with five players in double figures.

The game definitively changed in the third quarter. Golden State managed to tie the score at 49, but Atlanta responded with an 8-0 run in which Reese scored four points. The Dream picked up the pace again in the final stretch of the period and closed the third with a 12-2 run to enter the last quarter with a 71-57 lead.

Atlanta turns State Farm Arena into a party

The atmosphere was also part of the triumph. The Dream played their first home games of the Finals at State Farm Arena, after Games 3 and 4 were moved from Gateway Center Arena, the team's usual venue, in order to accommodate a much larger crowd.

The decision paid off: 17,099 fans packed the venue for Game 3 and backed the Dream during a historic night.

After the game, Reese specifically highlighted the role of the fans and made it clear that Atlanta wants to recreate the atmosphere on Saturday.

“Our fans were there on every possession. I thought Ballhalla was loud, but Atlanta came out with everything. On Saturday, they have to do it again.”

Atlanta will host Golden State again on Saturday, October 24, in Game 4 of the Finals. The Dream is just two wins away from the first championship in its history, while Reese continues to raise her level at the most important moment of the season.