Angel Reese carried the Atlanta Dream to a 79-65 win against the Golden State Valkyries on Monday, evening the 2026 WNBA Finals series at 1-1. The victory marked the Dream's first Finals win in franchise history.
Reese recorded a playoff-career-high 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting, added 16 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks in 34 minutes. She became only the third player in WNBA history to record 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game.
Reese had struggled in Game 1, failing to score in the second half and taking only three shots in the final 26 minutes. She pledged to be more assertive in Game 2.
Dream coach Karl Smesko noticed the shift before the game. "I saw a look in her eyes in the locker room that I liked," he said.
Reese's aggression showed immediately. Forty seconds into the game, she drove past Cecilia Zandalasini for a layup. She finished the first half with 15 points as Atlanta built a two-point lead.
The third quarter brought early obstacles. Kiah Stokes blocked Reese's first shot attempt of the half, and she went nearly four minutes without another attempt. Her frustration was visible as she called for the ball.
Teammate Jordin Canada said the team responded. "We gave her the ball, and she went to work," Canada said.
DeWanna Bonner credited Reese's presence. "That's what we expect from her night in, night out. She's young and hasn't been here before, but that's not an excuse. We ride her back, we ride her energy," Bonner said.
