The Golden State Valkyries suffered their first-ever playoff loss at Chase Center, dropping Game 2 of the WNBA Finals 79-65 to the Atlanta Dream on Monday.
The Valkyries' defense typically fuels their offense, but they couldn't disrupt a determined Angel Reese quite enough to generate any meaningful runs. Head coach Natalie Nakase tapped 11 players off the bench to throw Atlanta's way, but not one could get offensive momentum going.
Reese took over to the tune of 30 points and 16 rebounds, the third time a player has ever totaled at least 30 and 15 in a WNBA Finals game. Gabby Williams, meanwhile, wasn't able to carry the load for Golden State as she has throughout the playoffs. She was inefficient, shooting 3-of-15 from the field for 14 points with two rebounds.
The Valkyries shot close to 20% from 3 and on the lower end of 30% from the field - similar to their output in Game 1, which they won by a nose with stifling defense down the stretch. The Valkyries scored nine points in the third quarter to the Dream's 21.
The Dream went on an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter to take a commanding 21-point lead midway through and Golden State's offense turned frantic as a result. The Valkyries succumbed to the Dream's defensive pressure and committed 19 turnovers, resulting in 24 points.
The sloppiness translated into fouls, as the Valkyries sent Atlanta to the line 31 times while getting to the line 17 times despite Rhyne Howard and Reese landing in foul trouble.
After regretting her lack of aggression in the second half of Game 1, Reese took control instantly on Monday with forceful attacks at the rim.
She didn't hold back. Early in the first quarter broadcast cameras caught her and Aminata Gueye exchanging heated words at the foul line. In the second quarter, she trucked through Laeticia Amihere driving to the rim for a layup.
It was the Valkyries' fourth loss of more than 10 points this season.
Golden State will try to take the lead again on Wednesday in Atlanta for Game 3.
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There’s more to San Francisco with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Valkyries' run of Ballhalla brilliance ends as Dream dominate Game 2 of WNBA Finals.