WNBA Finals Shift to Atlanta as Dream Host Valkyries for Game 3

The WNBA Finals shift to Atlanta on Wednesday night as the Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries for Game 3 at State Farm Arena. The best-of-seven series is currently tied at 1-1 after the Dream secured a decisive 79-65 victory in Game 2 on Monday night in San Francisco.

Driven by a standout performance from Angel Reese, the Dream captured the first Finals win in franchise history. Reese recorded a playoff-high 30 points and 16 rebounds, becoming the youngest player in league history to post a 30-point and 16-rebound double-double in a WNBA Finals game. Her dominant presence in the paint helped Atlanta erase a first-game deficit and hand Golden State its first home loss of the postseason.

"We came out with a mission. That was to at least go home with one win," said Dream guard Allisha Gray, who contributed 18 points in her second game back from a minor hand procedure. "We played Atlanta Dream basketball... We played well. But like I said, I still feel like there's more in the tank for us to give."

The Valkyries took Game 1 by a score of 68-64, relying on clutch free throws from Gabby Williams, who finished with 26 points in the opener. However, Golden State struggled offensively in Game 2, shooting just 34 percent from the field and committing 18 turnovers while failing to lead by more than six points. Williams and Tiffany Hayes each scored 14 points for the Valkyries in the second contest, but the team's starters will need to generate more offense to regain momentum on the road.

Game 3 marks a significant venue upgrade for the Dream, moving from their regular home at Gateway Center Arena, which seats 3,500, to the 17,000-seat State Farm Arena. The larger venue is expected to provide a substantial home-court advantage as Atlanta looks to claim its first-ever home victory in the WNBA Finals.

"It is nice to know that you're going to have the Finals in a bigger arena," Dream guard Rhyne Howard said regarding the venue change. "A chance to get more fans to come and celebrate with you."

Tipoff for Game 3 is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, with national television coverage provided by USA Network and live streaming available on Peacock and DIRECTV.