Dream Beat Valkyries to Take 2-1 Finals Lead

The Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday, taking a 2-1 series lead behind Angel Reese’s 21 points and 12 rebounds. Atlanta has won two straight after dropping the opener and can move within one win of the championship with a victory in Game 4. Reese also recorded three assists and three steals, and made both of her 3-point attempts, according to reported game statistics. The Dream’s win followed a 79-65 road victory in Game 2 that tied the series. Reese scored 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in that game, then continued her strong play in Atlanta’s first Finals win at home. The back-to-back performances put Reese among a small group of players with notable Finals scoring and rebounding achievements. Her Game 2 total made her one of three players reported to have recorded at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game, alongside Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. She also became the first player to record a double-double in each of her first three Finals games, according to the reported statistics. Her Game 3 line followed a double-double in the series opener, when she had 14 points and 12 rebounds despite...