How the Dream Controlled Game 3 from Start to Finish
Atlanta came out locked in from the opening tip. The Dream jumped to a 9-1 lead, holding the Valkyries scoreless for the first five minutes of the game. The margin stretched through the first half as Atlanta's defense forced turnovers and executed on the offensive end. When Golden State rallied in the third quarter and tied the game at 49, it briefly looked like a contest - but Atlanta answered immediately, scoring eight straight points to break the Valkyries' momentum for good.
The final score of 97-71 represents a 26-point Atlanta victory - a margin that reflects the Dream's complete dominance in the second half and their advantage in both pace and defensive execution. The series now reads: Game 1 - Valkyries 68, Dream 64; Game 2 - Dream 79, Valkyries 65; Game 3 - Dream 97, Valkyries 71. Atlanta is in control. For more Atlanta news and local coverage, visit Di-VerZe E.N.T News.
Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Naz Hillmon Lead the Scoring
Angel Reese finished Game 3 with 21 points and 12 rebounds - a double-double on the biggest stage of the WNBA season. Her performance was a defining moment for the Dream's championship run and added to what has been a historic Finals showing for the second-year forward. Rhyne Howard added 16 points and Naz Hillmon contributed 15 points off the bench, giving Atlanta three double-digit scorers in a game that required balanced production across all 40 minutes.
The Dream finished the game with 26 assists and forced 15 turnovers from Golden State - numbers that reflect a team playing with total system execution rather than individual heroics. For Golden State, Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 15 points and 8 assists, but the team struggled to find consistent production beyond her. State Farm Arena was sold out - another full house in a playoff run that has galvanized the city. Check Di-VerZe's Atlanta Top 25 and follow Atlanta's biggest cultural figures at Di-VerZe Artist Interviews.
Game 4 Is Saturday at 1 PM - What Atlanta Needs
Game 4 tips off Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 PM ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. A Dream win would put them one victory away from the franchise's first WNBA championship, with Game 5 returning to Golden State if needed. Atlanta will again play in front of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd - the same atmosphere that helped fuel the 26-point Game 3 blowout.
The Golden State Valkyries - a franchise that played its inaugural regular season in 2025 - arrived at this Finals after defeating higher-seeded opponents, but they have now dropped two straight to Atlanta and face the challenge of coming back on the road. The Dream's depth, defense, and home court advantage make them the clear favorite to close this series out in Atlanta. Whatever happens Saturday, this city is watching every minute.
Atlanta Is Live - Stream Di-VerZe HitZ Radio as the Dream Make Their Run
Atlanta is buzzing on every level right now - from State Farm Arena to every corner of the city. Di-VerZe HitZ Radio streams Atlanta hip-hop and R&B 24/7, free on web, iOS, and Android, and you can request songs live. Tune in as the city celebrates this Dream run and stay connected to the culture that makes Atlanta one of a kind.