Sports
Atlanta Dream overwhelm Valkyries with balanced offense and stifling defense
Atlanta never trailed in a 97-71 Game 3 victory at State Farm Arena, taking a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals. Five Dream players scored in double figures as the team limited Golden State to 34.8% shooting and forced 17 turnovers.
The Atlanta Dream seized control of the WNBA Finals with a 97-71 win over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at State Farm Arena. Atlanta never trailed, and its 26-point margin reflected a performance built on contributions across the lineup and pressure on both ends of the court.
Five Dream players scored in double figures, including four starters and a reserve. That balanced attack helped Atlanta pull away without depending on one player to carry the scoring load.
The defense was just as important. The Dream held Golden State to 34.8% shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers, disrupting the Valkyries’ offense and limiting their chances to build momentum.
Atlanta’s win put the Dream ahead 2-1 in the best-of-seven Finals, after the teams split the first two games. With the series lead, the Dream moved closer to a championship while defending home court in front of Atlanta fans.