A 97-71 blowout victory in Atlanta gave the Dream a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals. After the opening game, the Dream have looked like the more energized and well-rounded team.
Angel Reese simply refused to let her team lose, showing up with unparalleled competitive fire, and, unlike the Valkyries, the Dream finally started to make their shots. The Dream shot almost 50% from the floor in Game 3, while the Valkyries made just 35% of their shots.
Now, it is on the Valkyries to match their opponents’ energy, find their offense, and steal a game in Atlanta. If they cannot do that and fall into a 3-1 hole, it could mean the end of their championship hopes.
The Valkyries need to halt the Dream’s momentum
Two consecutive wins, including one in Ballhalla, and improved offensive output, combined with Reese’s ability to get into her opponents’ heads, have given the Dream the kind of momentum you need to win a championship. Between championship veterans DeWanna Bonner and Jordin Canada, the team should be aware that nothing is won yet, but they should also feel pretty good about everything they have figured out so far.
They got Reese going after a scoreless second half in Game 1, Rhyne Howard started making shots, and Gabby Williams shot 20% from the field in Game 2 and 27.8% in Game 3. Moreover, Isobel Borlase has been a solid bench contributor, and Canada has so far won her matchup against Veronica Burton.
While the Valkyries have to refocus, the Dream can enter Game 4 on their home court with a sense of confidence. If they win a third consecutive game, it will be tough to slow them down again. The Valkyries have to halt the Dream’s momentum now or risk losing the championship.
The Dream already won one game in Ballhalla, and they can do so again, especially if they can maintain the energy and momentum from these last two games. Even if the Valkyries were to take Game 5 at home, taking a 3-1 lead in Game 4 would give the Dream a much larger margin for error than the Valkyries and an opportunity to close out the series at home in Game 6.
The Valkyries’ season was a huge success, no matter what
Even if the Valkyries cannot win the title, this year was a very successful season—even if it may not feel like it to the players, coaches, and organization. Going to the finals in year two and doing it without an established superstar is beyond impressive.
The Valkyries laid the foundation for what should be a very successful future. They have the system and organizational infrastructure to compete for the next several championships, especially if they can make a big splash in free agency.
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