Angel Reese Makes WNBA Finals History With 30 Points and 16 Rebounds

Angel Reese has become the youngest player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game after leading the Atlanta Dream to a 79–65 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the championship series.

The 24-year-old forward delivered 30 points and 16 rebounds on Monday night, October 19, at Chase Center in San Francisco, helping Atlanta recover from its opening-game defeat and secure its first victory in WNBA Finals history. The result levelled the best-of-seven series at 1–1, with the next two games scheduled to take place in Atlanta.

Reese, who was traded to Atlanta from the Chicago Sky ahead of the 2026 season, shot 10-of-16 from the field and converted nine of her 11 free throws. She also recorded three assists and two blocks, providing the offensive production and defensive presence the Dream needed to overcome Golden State on its home court.

Her performance placed her among an exclusive group of players to reach the 30-point, 15-rebound mark in a WNBA Finals game. Before Reese, only Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart had achieved the feat, doing so in 2019 and 2020 respectively. At 24 years and 166 days old, Reese surpassed them as the youngest player to reach the milestone.

The victory was equally significant for Atlanta, which had lost all 10 of its previous Finals games across three earlier appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2013. The Dream had entered the series hoping to secure the franchise’s first championship, but their opening 68–64 loss to Golden State left them facing the prospect of falling two games behind.

Reese responded to her quieter finish in Game 1 by taking a more assertive role in the second contest. Atlanta’s offence ran through her inside, while her rebounding helped limit Golden State’s opportunities to build momentum. The Dream established a narrow advantage by halftime before taking control in the third quarter, outscoring the Valkyries 21–9 during the period.

Allisha Gray added 18 points for Atlanta, while Jordin Canada contributed 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Rhyne Howard also made a major defensive contribution, recording six steals to set a WNBA Finals record.

Golden State struggled to find its usual offensive rhythm against Atlanta’s pressure. The Valkyries shot poorly from the field and committed 19 turnovers, allowing the Dream to convert defensive stops into scoring opportunities. Gabby Williams, who had led Golden State with 26 points in Game 1, finished with 14 points on 3-of-15 shooting.

The result also demonstrated how quickly the series can shift between two teams built around defensive strength. Both Atlanta and Golden State had placed three players on the WNBA’s All-Defensive teams, and their contrasting performances over the opening two games have left the championship contest finely balanced.

For Atlanta, Reese’s record-breaking night offers more than an individual statistical achievement. Her performance helped end a long wait for a Finals victory and restored the Dream’s position in the series. With the contest moving to Georgia for Game 3, the team will look to build on the momentum of its San Francisco win, while Golden State must respond after losing its first home playoff game in franchise history.