The Golden State Valkyries got absolutely shellacked last night, falling 97-71 to the Atlanta Dream and now stare down a 2-1 deficit in the WNBA Finals. If the Valkyries want to hoist a trophy in just their second year, they have to come from behind to do it.
From Dominance to Desperation: What Happened to Game 1?
Remember that thriller in Game 1? The one that snapped Atlanta’s 10-game winning streak? Seems like ancient history now, doesn’t it? After that high, the Valkyries have dropped back-to-back one-sided games, and it’s getting ugly. Wednesday night, Golden State trailed from start to finish. It wasn’t about strong defense forcing a slow game, either, it was just a flat-out struggle for both offenses early on. The scoring finally kicked off with a bucket from Angel Reese, who, fresh off a dominant Game 2, put on another superstar showing.
The Dream fanbase, man, they showed up big time. The Finals games were moved to the jam-packed State Farm Arena from their usual smaller home, and that building was rocking as Atlanta jumped out to an early 6-0 lead. Golden State couldn’t score for nearly half the first quarter. The only reason they were even in the game was a strong defensive effort, mainly from Kiah Stokes. Finally, with 5:07 left in the first, Kaila Charles grabbed an offensive board, went back up, got fouled, and sunk a free throw. One point. What happened next sums up the entire night: exactly 10 seconds later, Reese hit an and-one. Any mild push Golden State tried, Atlanta answered with a stronger response.
The Dream’s Runs Are Crushing Golden State’s Spirit
It kept happening. The Valkyries would try to find some rhythm, like when they scored seven unanswered points to get within a single point. But in the blink of an eye, the Dream rattled off a 10-2 run. That run was emphasized by total defensive clamps and a pair of threes by Naz Hillmon on back-to-back possessions. Atlanta quickly pushed their lead into double digits, settling for a 23-15 lead after the first quarter. Early in the second, the Valkyries hit a three to cut it to 23-18, but get this: at that point, 15 of Golden State’s 18 points had come off the bench. That is a trend you absolutely do not want to see in the Finals.
There’s a whole lot of work to do before Game 4. The Valkyries need to find a way to equalize this series, and fast, because the Dream are looking relentless.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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