Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream stole home-court advantage from the Golden State Valkyries after winning Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night, 79-65.
After losing Game 1 on Saturday, the Dream bounced back to tie the series 1-1 behind an inspired performance from Reese. The Defensive Player of the Year went off for 30 points on 10-of-16 shooting and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. Reese also added 16 rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks in 34 minutes of action.
The Valkyries, meanwhile, were led by Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes, who each scored 14 points. Center Kiah Stokes was a strong presence inside, with 11 rebounds and four blocks.
Stokes’ defensive masterclass prompted an announcement from the WNBA — one that involves league icon Brittney Griner.
“Kiah Stokes joins Britney Griner (2014) as the only players in WNBA history to record 4+ blocks in consecutive Finals games,” WNBA Communications posted on X.
Stokes also had four blocks in Game 1. The 6-foot-3 center is now averaging 2.0 blocks over eight playoff games.
Griner achieved this same feat for the Phoenix Mercury in the 2014 WNBA Finals. Playing in just her second WNBA season, the 6-foot-9 center recorded eight blocks in Game 1 against the Chicago Sky. She swatted away four more shots in Game 2 before an eye injury forced her to sit out Game 3.
The Mercury swept the Sky 3-0, marking Griner’s first and only WNBA championship to date. She won Defensive Player of the Year that season — a feat she repeated the following year.
Griner is set to enter free agency in the offseason after her one-year contract with the Connecticut Sun expires.
As for the Valkyries, they will need Stokes at her best with the WNBA Finals now tied 1-1. Golden State will need to regroup quickly as the series shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4.
Game 3 on Wednesday will be played at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on USA Network.
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