Madina gets finals opportunity as Atlanta Dream take 2-1 lead in WNBA

Kenyan rookie scores three points and records a block in 2 minutes as Angel Reese leads Atlanta to a commanding 97-71 victory over Golden State.

Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot made the most of her opportunity on the WNBA Finals stage, scoring three points and recording a block in limited minutes as the Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

Okot, the first Kenyan to be drafted into the WNBA, featured as Atlanta delivered a commanding performance at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night, moving two wins away from its maiden championship.

Although her minutes were limited, the rookie made her presence felt on both ends of the court, adding a defensive block to her scoring contribution as she continues to gain experience at the highest level of women’s basketball.

Her appearance marked another milestone in a remarkable journey from Kenya to the WNBA Finals, where she is learning alongside some of the league’s biggest stars during her debut professional season.

Reese makes another Finals MVP statement

While Okot took advantage of her opportunity, Angel Reese once again headlined Atlanta’s victory with a dominant all-round performance that strengthened her case for the Finals Most Valuable Player award.

Reese finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, alongside three assists and three steals, recording her third consecutive double-double of the Finals.

The forward followed up her remarkable 30-point, 16-rebound display in Game 2 with another influential outing, continuing a run of performances that has transformed Atlanta’s fortunes in the championship series.

After struggling to close out Game 1, Reese responded emphatically in the next two games, combining her scoring ability with relentless work on the boards and defensive pressure.

Her influence was particularly evident in the third quarter, when the game was still within reach for Golden State. With the score tied at 49, Atlanta put together an eight-point run, with Reese scoring four points during the decisive stretch.

The Dream then closed the quarter strongly, scoring 12 of the final 14 points to establish control of the contest.

Reese’s consistency is making her an increasingly compelling candidate for Finals MVP, although Atlanta will need to maintain its momentum in the remaining games to complete its championship quest.

Dream turn up the heat after the break

Atlanta set the tone early, racing into a 9-1 lead as Golden State struggled to find its shooting rhythm.

The Dream led 23-15 at the end of the first quarter, with Naz Hillmon contributing from beyond the arc as the hosts took advantage of their opponents’ slow start.

Golden State responded in the second period, finding more rhythm offensively and cutting the deficit. However, Atlanta retained its advantage to lead 46-40 at half-time.

The Valkyries came out with renewed energy after the break and briefly drew level at 49, raising the prospect of a tightly contested finish.

But Atlanta responded with the decisive scoring burst, combining sharp shooting with defensive intensity to regain control and take a 71-57 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Dream maintained their pressure in the final period, limiting Golden State’s opportunities while converting their own chances to stretch the margin to 26 points.

Reese finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard contributed 16 points and Naz Hillmon added 15 as Atlanta demonstrated its offensive depth.

For Golden State, Gabby Williams scored 15 points and Tiffany Hayes added 14, but the Valkyries were unable to match Atlanta’s intensity down the stretch.

One step closer to history

The victory puts Atlanta in front for the first time in the series after Golden State won the opener 68-64. The Dream levelled the contest with a 79-65 victory in Game 2 before producing their most commanding performance yet.

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at State Farm Arena, where Atlanta will look to extend its advantage and move within one win of the franchise’s first WNBA championship.

For Okot, every opportunity on this stage represents another step in her development and another moment for Kenyan basketball to be represented at the highest level.

For Reese and Atlanta, the focus is now on turning their growing momentum into a championship triumph.