The Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 79-65 in Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Monday, October 19, at Chase Center in San Francisco, tying the best-of-seven series 1-1. Angel Reese scored 30 points with 16 rebounds as the Dream earned the first WNBA Finals win in franchise history.
Key Takeaways
- The Dream evened the WNBA Finals at 1-1 with a 79-65 road win in Game 2.
- Atlanta had been 0-10 in the Finals across three previous trips before Monday’s win.
- Angel Reese finished with 30 points and 16 rebounds, shooting 10-of-16 from the field.
- Rhyne Howard set a WNBA Finals record with six steals.
- Game 2 was Golden State’s first home loss of the 2026 postseason.
- Game 3 is Wednesday, October 21, in Atlanta, and Game 4 follows Saturday, October 24.
Dream Break Through With a Dominant Third Quarter
The Valkyries vs. Dream matchup stayed close for much of Monday night. Golden State led after the first quarter, and the game was tied 42-42 about halfway through the third. From there, the Dream took control with an 18-4 run, outscoring the Valkyries 21-9 in the quarter.
Jordin Canada capped the surge in the final seconds of the period, stealing the ball and sinking a half-court shot at the buzzer to push Atlanta’s lead to 60-46. Golden State made several pushes in the fourth quarter, but the Dream answered each one and never let the margin shrink to a single possession.
The win carried added weight for the franchise. The Atlanta Dream had reached the WNBA Finals three times before 2026 without winning a single game, going 0-10 across those series.
Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard Lead the Atlanta Dream
Angel Reese delivered the game’s defining performance, finishing with 30 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal in 34 minutes. She shot 10-of-16 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line, and accounted for nine of Atlanta’s 21 points in the decisive third quarter.
Rhyne Howard shaped the game on defense, setting a WNBA Finals record with six steals despite early foul trouble. Allisha Gray added 18 points, and Canada filled out the stat sheet with 13 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.
The performance reversed the story of Game 1, when the Valkyries held Atlanta to eight fourth-quarter points in a 68-64 win.
Golden State Valkyries Lose for the First Time at Home This Postseason
The Golden State Valkyries entered Monday undefeated at Chase Center during the 2026 playoffs. Their offense stalled after halftime, and Gabby Williams, who scored 26 points in Game 1, was held to 14 points on 3-of-15 shooting, though she added four steals. Tiffany Hayes scored 14 points and Veronica Burton added 11.
The loss does not erase what the Valkyries have accomplished. Golden State began play in 2025 as an expansion franchise and became the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its first season. One year later, the Valkyries are two wins from a championship in only their second season.
The 2026 WNBA Finals Reflect a Growing League
The 2026 WNBA Finals pair two franchises chasing their first title, one built only two years ago and one that waited 16 years for a Finals win. The matchup arrives as the WNBA continues to expand, adding the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo and announcing future teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
The Finals are also reaching a national audience across broadcast and streaming. Game 3 streams on Peacock, and Game 4 airs on NBC.
WNBA Finals Schedule Moves to Atlanta
With the series tied 1-1, the WNBA Finals shift to Atlanta for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET, and Game 4 on Saturday, October 24. The first team to win four games claims the championship, and Games 5 through 7 will be played if needed.
FAQs
Who Is in the WNBA Finals in 2026?
The 2026 WNBA Finals feature the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream. Neither franchise has won a WNBA championship.
Where Are the WNBA Finals Being Played in 2026?
Games 1 and 2 were played at Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Valkyries. Games 3 and 4 are in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Dream.
What Are the Dates of the 2026 WNBA Finals?
Game 1 was played October 17 and Game 2 on October 19. Game 3 is Wednesday, October 21, and Game 4 is Saturday, October 24, with Games 5 through 7 played if needed.
What Was the Score of WNBA Finals Game 2?
The Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 79-65 in Game 2 on October 19, 2026, tying the series 1-1.
Has the Atlanta Dream Ever Won a WNBA Finals Game?
Yes, as of Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals. Before that win, the Atlanta Dream had gone 0-10 across three previous Finals appearances.
