Dream vs Valkyries Game 4 could be the night Atlanta takes full control of the WNBA Finals. After Wednesday’s commanding 97-71 win in Game 3, the Dream lead the series 2-1 and can move within one victory of the franchise’s first championship with another home win on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, NBC) at State Farm Arena.
Angel Reese has been the story of the series — 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3, the youngest player ever with three straight Finals double-doubles. Atlanta finally found its offense after two low-scoring games in San Francisco, shooting a series-high 49.3 percent with five players in double figures.
What Atlanta must repeat
The Dream’s formula is clear: dominate the paint (they outscored Golden State 44-20 inside in Game 3), force turnovers (15 Valkyries giveaways turned into 22 points), and let Reese set the tone. Rhyne Howard’s defense — five steals in consecutive Finals games, a league first — has disrupted Golden State’s rhythm.
“Everybody contributed from top to bottom,” Reese said after Game 3. “And when you shoot 49%, I mean, you win games.”
Valkyries’ path back
Golden State needs more from its supporting cast. Gabby Williams battled to 15 points on 5-for-18 shooting, and the four other starters combined for almost nothing offensively. The Valkyries briefly tied Game 3 at 49 in the third quarter — proof they can hang — but Atlanta’s 22-8 closing run showed the gap.
The keys for Game 4 are clear. Atlanta must replicate the defensive intensity that smothered Golden State in Game 3, while the Valkyries need to find offense from somewhere to extend their season. The Dream’s role players have outplayed their counterparts throughout the series, and that depth could prove decisive with the title on the line.
History favors the home team in closeout games, but the Valkyries have been defying expectations all season. Expect a desperate, physical contest from the opening tip. For Atlanta, the message is simple: finish the job. For Golden State, it’s even simpler: win or go home.
With two days to regroup before Saturday, Golden State must find answers in a hurry. The series was level at 1-1 just days ago; now the Dream are two wins from history.
