ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream did what they set out to do. The team is heading back to Atlanta with a win under their belt after stealing Game 2 from the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco to even the WNBA Finals.
"We came out with a mission. That was to at least go home with one win," said Dream guard Allisha Gray, who finished with 18 points Monday in her second game back from a minor procedure on her left hand. "We played Atlanta Dream basketball... We played well. But like I said, I still feel like there's more in the tank for us to give."
After letting Game 1 "slip away," forward Angel Reese powered the Dream to a 79-65 Game 2 win behind a playoff-high 30-point, 16-rebound double-double in front of a hostile environment at "Ballhalla." With the performance, Reese became the youngest player to record 30 points and 16 rebounds in a WNBA Finals game.
The best-of-seven series now shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 21, which will be held at State Farm Arena (17,000 seats), an upgrade from the Dream's home venue, Gateway Center Arena (3,500 seats).
"We going to carry that (momentum) over in Atlanta," Reese said. "Atlanta, y'all better pull up and pop out."
Highlights: Angel Reese double-double helps Dream even WNBA Finals vs. Valkyries
WNBA Finals winners and losers: Angel Reese's tenacity, Valkyries' starters
The Valkyries were led by Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes, who both had 14 points in Game 2. Veronica Burton added 11 points. Golden State shot 34% from the field and never led by more than six points at any point. Atlanta racked up 14 steals and forced 18 Golden State turnovers in Game 2.
USA TODAY Sports is on the ground in Atlanta, providing live updates and highlights from Game 3. Here's everything you need to know:
2026 WNBA Finals schedule
06:01 AM ET, October 21 2026, Cydney Henderson- Game 1: Golden State 68, Atlanta 64 | Recap, Winners and losers
- Game 2: Atlanta 79, Golden State 65 | Recap,Winners and losers
- Wednesday, Oct. 21, Game 3: Golden State at Atlanta | 8 p.m. ET (USA/Peacock/CNBC)
- Saturday, Oct. 24, Game 4: Golden State at Atlanta | 1 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
- Monday, Oct. 26, Game 5: Atlanta at Golden State | 8 p.m. ET (USA/Peacock/CNBC)
- *Thursday, Oct. 29, Game 6: Golden State at Atlanta | 8 p.m. ET (USA/Peacock/CNBC)
- *Saturday, Oct. 31, Game 7: Atlanta at Golden State | 8 p.m. ET (USA/Peacock/CNBC)
- * If necessary
What time is Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream?
06:01 AM ET, October 21 2026, Cydney HendersonThe No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries host the No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
- Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta)
WNBA Finals, Game 3: TV channel, streaming
06:01 AM ET, October 21 2026, Cydney HendersonGame 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream on Wednesday, Oct. 21, will be broadcast on USA and CNBC. The contest can also be streamed on Peacock.
- Channel: USA/CNBC
- Stream: Peacock
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA Finals Game 3: How to watch Golden State Valkyries vs Atlanta Dream
