In a thrilling Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, Angel Reese made her intentions clear to her teammates by emphatically stating, “I need the ball! I need the ball!” The Atlanta standout rose to the occasion in front of a lively Golden State Valkyries’ crowd, scoring 30 points and grabbing 16 rebounds to lead her team to a 79-65 victory over the Valkyries. This win leveled the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
Reflecting on her performance, Reese acknowledged her disappointment in the previous game and expressed her determination to make a significant impact in Game 2. With a focus on contributing beyond scoring, she highlighted her defensive efforts, hustle, and rebounding as crucial factors in the victory.
The Dream’s victory was also fueled by Rhyne Howard’s record-breaking six steals, Allisha Gray’s 18 points, and Jordin Canada’s 13 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. This win marked Atlanta’s first Finals victory in franchise history, following three winless trips to the Finals.
Looking ahead, Game 3 is set to take place in Atlanta at the NBA Hawks’ State Farm Arena, allowing more fans to attend compared to the Dream’s regular home venue. The Valkyries, led by Gabby Williams, struggled with their shooting in Game 2, with Williams scoring 14 points on 3-for-15 shooting after her standout performance in the series opener.
Despite facing foul trouble, the Dream managed to capitalize on Golden State’s turnovers, scoring 24 points off 19 turnovers to secure the win. Reese’s standout performance and the team’s defensive intensity were instrumental in the victory, signaling a strong Atlanta presence in the Finals.
As the series moves forward, Reese’s resilience and leadership will be key for the Dream as they aim to continue their winning momentum in front of their home crowd in Atlanta.
