The Valkyries, coming off a four-point win in Game 1 on Saturday, kept the contest close through the first half but managed just nine points in the third quarter. Atlanta scored 21 in the period and carried a 14-point lead into the fourth. Jordin Canada hit a buzzer-beating shot from across the court to close the quarter for the Dream.

Angel Reese led Atlanta with 30 points and 16 rebounds. She also became the youngest player in WNBA history to record at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a Finals game. The Dream added 19 points in the fourth quarter and forced 19 Golden State turnovers.

Atlanta made 30 of 35 free throws, compared with 16 of 19 for the Valkyries. Golden State scored 19 points in the final quarter but could not close the gap. Guard Veronica Burton said afterward that the team had “shot terribly” and needed to “take a punch and punch back.”

The series moves to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena, which seats 17,000, substantially more than the Dream’s regular home, the 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Game 3 is scheduled for Oct. 21, moved up from Oct. 22. Game 4 is set for Oct. 24, with tipoff at 1 p.m.

Golden State’s fans remained behind the team after the loss, chanting “G-S-V” as the players left the court. The Valkyries, who debuted in 2024, have sold out every home game for two consecutive seasons. If the series reaches Game 7, it will return to San Francisco.