Atlanta Dream host Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday after leveling the best-of-seven series with a convincing 79-65 victory Monday
Atlanta will try to take its first series lead when the Finals resume at 8 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena.
The Dream rebounded from Saturday's 68-64 loss by handing Golden State its first postseason home defeat.
Angel Reese dominated Game 2 with 30 points and 16 rebounds, helping Atlanta secure its first Finals victory in franchise history.
Allisha Gray added 18 points, while Jordin Canada contributed 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
Atlanta seized control by outscoring Golden State 21-9 in the third quarter. The Dream also forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, and enjoyed a 19-0 advantage in fast-break scoring.
Gabby Williams led Golden State with 14 points but shot just 3-for-15 from the field after scoring 26 in Game 1. The Valkyries shot 34.4% overall and have failed to reach 70 points in either Finals contest.
Valkyries vs. Dream betting picks and predictions
Atlanta Dream -3.5 (-109)
Atlanta's defensive performance Monday makes a convincing case for backing the Dream as the series shifts east.
Golden State committed 19 turnovers and struggled to generate consistent offense against Atlanta's aggressive pressure.
The Dream also controlled the transition game, turning defensive stops into easy scoring opportunities.
Reese gives Atlanta another important advantage. Her 30-point, 16-rebound performance demonstrated how effectively she can attack Golden State inside.
The Valkyries must contain Reese without creating additional scoring opportunities for Gray and Howard.
Atlanta also benefits from returning home after splitting the first two games at Chase Center.
Golden State's defense remains formidable, but its offensive limitations have become increasingly apparent. The Valkyries shot just 32.1% in Game 1 and 34.4% in Game 2.
Williams has scored 40 points across the series, but Golden State needs more consistent production from its other starters.
Atlanta averaged 91.3 points during the regular season and has more offensive options capable of creating their own shots.
The Dream's Game 2 victory also ended Golden State's five-game postseason winning streak.
Although the Valkyries previously dominated this matchup, Atlanta's improved defensive pressure and Reese's interior production suggest the balance has shifted.
Look for the Dream to capitalize on home-court advantage and cover the 3.5-point spread.
Under 151.5 points (-110)
The first two WNBA Finals games produced 132 and 144 combined points respectively and both finished below Wednesday's 151.5 total.
Golden State has struggled offensively throughout the series, shooting below 35% in consecutive games.
Atlanta's defense has disrupted the Valkyries' half-court execution and forced turnovers that prevent Golden State from consistently establishing its offense.
The Dream have also demonstrated they can control games without matching their regular-season scoring average. Atlanta scored just 64 points in Game 1 before improving to 79 on Monday.
Golden State's defensive strength should also make it difficult for Atlanta to approach its regular-season scoring average.
The Valkyries finished the regular season with the league's best defensive rating at 99.1, while Atlanta ranked third at 103.5.
Golden State held Atlanta to eight fourth-quarter points in Game 1, demonstrating how effectively its defense can disrupt opposing offenses.
Reese's offensive improvement raises some concern for an Under selection, particularly if Atlanta continues generating transition opportunities.
However, both teams have struggled to shoot efficiently throughout the series. Five of their six meetings since last season have finished with fewer than 153 combined points.
With the championship stakes rising and both defenses capable of controlling the tempo, another low-scoring contest appears likely, so take Under 151.5 points.
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Valkyries vs. Dream odds
Golden State Valkyries | +136 |
Atlanta Dream | -161 |
Spread | ATL Dream -3.5 |
Total Points | O/U 151.5 |
Valkyries vs. Dream player props
Player points
Gabby Williams (GS Valkyries) | O/U 18.5 |
Tiffany Hayes (GS Valkyries) | O/U 10.5 |
Veronica Burton (GS Valkyries) | O/U 9.5 |
Allisha Gray (ATL Dream) | O/U 16.5 |
Rhyne Howard (ATL Dream) | O/U 15.5 |
Angel Reese (ATL Dream) | O/U 15.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
