The traditional wisdom in sports is that "defense wins championships." However, Angel Reese and the Dream are loudly telling the world that offense is still important.
Atlanta dominated the Golden State Valkyries, 97-71, in front of a passionate State Farm Arena crowd. The Dream's 97 points were the most Natalie Nakase's side has given up in regulation all season.
Reese is only 24, and it feels like everyone is running out of superlatives about how much her game has grown. After a quiet second half in Game 1, the three-time All-Star has been the key driver of Atlanta's 2-1 series lead over the Valkyries.
It's not just her defense. After her historic 30-point outing in Game 2, she scored a game-high 21 points in Game 3 on an efficient 58.3% shooting, including 2-for-2 from behind the arc.
Through two games, Karl Smesko's side has exposed the limitations of the Valkyries' style of play. Every team should strive to play shutdown defense, but what's your counter when that falls apart? For the Dream, it's their offensive talent.
Reese is more than just a one-way player
Kiah Stokes has proven to be the only player on Golden State who can stop Reese. However, the Defensive Player of the Year continues to find ways to be impactful in games. That comes with fighting for offensive rebounds, being a faciliator or forcing turnovers and starting possessions in transition.
Reese isn't a volume outside shooter, but Smesko and the Dream coaching staff have given her the confidence to shoot without hesitation, and it's had an impact on Golden State's defense.
Her gravity helped Naz Hillmon score 15 points, shooting 3-for-5 from the 3-point line. The Valkyries can't double-team Reese, so it allows 1-on-1 matchups, allowing Rhyne Howard to score 16 points.
Reese became the youngest player in WNBA Finals history to record three straight double-doubles, according to ESPN's Alexa Philippou. That is not just an impact on the boards. That is an impact on the offense.
Also, Reese is the youngest player to record 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in consecutive WNBA Finals games, per Winsidr's Myles Ehrlich. She joined A'ja Wilson as the only player to achieve the feat.
Atlanta is asserting itself in a the key area
The Dream have won the free-throw battle through three games in the best-of-seven series. The difference was most profound in their wins. In Game 2, they shot 35 free throws to Golden State's 19, and in Game 3, it was a 29-17 difference.
This isn't an argument about whether or not the officials are favoring Atlanta. The disparity highlights how much the Dream are attacking the basket and getting as many "free" points as possible.
Going back to the earlier question, what do you do when your defense falls apart? You try to do whatever you can to get points. Not every game will be low-scoring. You have to find ways to get buckets.
This includes Reese, who has shot 23 free throws in the WNBA Finals, which is the second-most in the series behind teammate Allisha Gray.
The Dream have asserted themselves, and have Golden State asking questions about its offensive game plan.
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