Angel Reese scores 30 points, Rhyne Howard records six steals as Atlanta ends its Finals losing streak and evens championship series.

By Milton Kirby | San Francisco, CA | October 20, 2026

The Atlanta Dream made franchise history Monday night, earning their first-ever WNBA Finals victory with a commanding 79-65 win over the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center.

Behind a dominant performance from Angel Reese and a relentless defensive effort, Atlanta evened the best-of-seven championship series at one game apiece while taking home-court advantage away from Golden State.

Reese delivered one of the most memorable performances in Finals history, finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. The 24-year-old forward became the youngest player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game.

But the victory represented something even bigger for the Dream. It ended a long and frustrating chapter in the franchise’s history.

Ending a 10-Game Finals Losing Streak

Before Monday night, Atlanta had never won a WNBA Finals game.

The Dream reached the championship series in 2010, 2011 and 2013 but were swept in all three appearances. Atlanta lost to the Seattle Storm in 2010 and the Minnesota Lynx in both 2011 and 2013.

Those nine consecutive losses became 10 when Golden State defeated Atlanta 68-64 in Saturday’s Game 1.

Monday’s victory finally ended that streak.

For a franchise that has spent years trying to return to the league’s biggest stage, the win was more than a statistical milestone. It demonstrated that Atlanta could compete for a championship and win under the pressure of the Finals.

The Dream now return home with the series tied and an opportunity to take their first lead in a WNBA championship series.

Reese Responds with Historic Performance

After going scoreless in the second half of Game 1, Reese approached Monday’s contest with a different level of determination.

She scored 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting and dominated the boards with 16 rebounds. Her performance placed her alongside Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones as the only players to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a WNBA Finals game.

Reese also joined a select group of six players in WNBA postseason history to accomplish the feat.

Following the game, Reese acknowledged that she had expected more from herself in the series opener.

“I let my team down last game, not really contributing as much as I could in the second half,” Reese said.

Her response in Game 2 left little doubt about her determination to make an impact.

Dream head coach Karl Smesko said he recognized Reese’s focus before the game.

“I like this look,” Smesko recalled telling her.

He later described her performance as exceptional on both ends of the court.

Reese’s impact extended beyond scoring. Her rebounding, physical presence and defensive effort helped Atlanta control the second half and prevent Golden State from mounting a comeback.

Defense Changes the Game

While Reese led the offense, Atlanta’s defense provided the foundation for the victory.

The Dream held Golden State to just 34.4 percent shooting from the field and forced 19 turnovers, converting those mistakes into 24 points.

Rhyne Howard established a WNBA Finals record with six steals, disrupting passing lanes and creating opportunities for Atlanta to score in transition.

The Dream finished with 14 steals as a team and scored 19 fast-break points.

Atlanta’s defensive pressure also limited Golden State’s opportunities from beyond the arc. The Valkyries made just seven of their 24 three-point attempts.

The contrast with Game 1 was significant.

On Saturday, Atlanta struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, scoring only eight points and allowing Golden State to erase a late deficit.

This time, the Dream maintained their intensity and refused to surrender control.

A Second-Half Turning Point

The first half was closely contested.

Atlanta carried a narrow 39-37 advantage into halftime despite foul trouble involving Reese and Howard.

The Dream began to separate themselves in the third quarter.

Although Atlanta struggled with its shooting during the period, the team made all 12 of its free-throw attempts and tightened its defense.

Golden State managed only four field goals in 15 attempts during the quarter, allowing Atlanta to build a 60-46 lead entering the fourth.

The Dream continued to apply pressure in the final period.

Early free throws pushed Atlanta’s advantage to 18 points. Golden State never reduced the deficit below 14 points during the fourth quarter.

Unlike Game 1, Atlanta finished the game with the same determination it displayed while building the lead.

A Complete Team Effort

Reese’s historic night was supported by contributions throughout the Dream lineup.

Allisha Gray scored 18 points and collected five rebounds, providing another dependable scoring option.

Jordin Canada delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Her ability to direct the offense and create scoring opportunities helped Atlanta maintain its rhythm.

DeWanna Bonner added nine points and four steals, contributing to the defensive pressure that frustrated Golden State throughout the evening.

Howard, despite foul trouble that limited her offensive production to five points, remained a major factor with her record-setting defensive performance.

For Golden State, Gabby Williams led the team with 14 points but struggled with her shooting, making only three of 15 attempts.

The Valkyries, who had won Game 1 behind a strong fourth-quarter comeback, were unable to generate the same offensive momentum against Atlanta’s defense.

Atlanta Comes Home with Momentum

The series now shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21.

The next two games are scheduled for State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, allowing a larger crowd to attend than the Dream’s regular home venue, Gateway Center Arena.

The move gives Atlanta an opportunity to build on its historic victory in front of thousands of hometown supporters.

The Dream have already accomplished something no previous Atlanta team managed in the WNBA Finals.

But the players understand that one victory does not secure a championship.

After the game, Reese emphasized that the milestone represented progress rather than the finish line.

“It’s just a start,” she said.

For Atlanta, the victory marked the end of a 10-game Finals losing streak and the beginning of a new opportunity.

The Dream are no longer searching for their first Finals win. They are now competing for their first WNBA championship

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