The Atlanta Dream were not happy after their Game 1 loss over the weekend. Allisha Gray, coach Karl Smesko, and Angel Reese all echoed the same thing: they’ll watch film and repair whatever problems they find. Tonight, it’s safe to say the Dream were successful in their post-game analysis after putting a double-digit thumping on the Valkyries to steal Game 2 in the Bay Area.
“I’m proud of our response,” said Allisha Gray after the game. “We came out with a mission that we wanted to come away with at least one win. I feel like we responded well tonight.”
Behind the Dream’s first WNBA Finals win in franchise history was a monster game by Angel Reese. She racked up a staggering 30 points and 16 rebounds to lead Atlanta to a 79-65 win, becoming the youngest person to earn those stats in a WNBA Finals game. In a word, Allisha Gray mentioned post-game that the biggest difference in the third quarter was “Angel Reese.”
“We were a little too loose with the ball; that’s what they’re known for,” said Golden State’s Veronica Burton after the game. “We also shot terribly. It happens, but that’s why we have to lock in on the defensive end.”
One of the areas she’s talking about is the fast break. The Dream beat the Valkyries 19-0 in fast break points, scoring easily in transition. The Dream led by as many as 21 points during the game.
“She (Reese) was way more aggressive, but we have to do a way better job all around,” said Kiah Stokes on the difference Angel Reese made in Game 2. “We need to be more aggressive defensively.” Stokes had 4 blocks and 11 rebounds, but no points in the game.
The Valkyries were outdone after the third quarter, losing the period to the Dream 21-9. If it wasn’t Angel Reese showing her impact, it was Allisha Gray. If it wasn’t Gray scoring 18 points, it was Jordin Canada following up with 13. When Rhyne Howard couldn’t find her rhythm offensively, she locked it down on defense with a block and 6 steals. Tonight was some of the best basketball the Dream has played all season.
“We’re gonna see how close these actual fouls were; they lunge forward a lot,” said Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase. “We have to play harder, but we have to play smarter as well.” The Valkyries’ 18 turnovers and 35 free throws given are an example.
Game 3 of the WNBA Finals heads to Atlanta and State Farm Arena. Tip-off is at 8:00 PM/ET.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of the Atlanta Dream