The series is now tied at 1-1 as they head to Atlanta for Game 3.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries dropped their first home playoff game of the season Monday night. In a game filled with turnovers and miscues the Dream beat the Valkyries 79-65.
An uncharacteristic loss for this group. It seemed like there were multiple instances where the Valkyries were getting back into the game but a lost ball, or a bad pass would thwart all momentum.
WNBA star Angel Reese led the way for the Dream with 30 points. She snagged 16 rebounds as well.
It was a close game throughout the first half, but the Dream started to pull away late in the third quarter, and the lead would become insurmountable to come back from for Golden State.
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries in scoring with 14 points. Tiffany Hayes added another 14 off the bench. But, the biggest issue of the night for Golden State: TURNOVERS.
The Valkyries had a season-high 19 turnovers.
“We’re embarrassed that they created their own game,” Gabby Williams said. They just wanted it more tonight, and that’s unacceptable. So we got to come back next game with some more discipline.”
When asked about turnovers, “It’s controllable,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. “I thought they did a great job sprinting back, getting into the gaps, getting into driving lanes. Credit to them on their effort, their hustle, their fight. I thought they did an excellent job getting into those lanes, which created the turnovers.”
Atlanta Dream forward Rhyne Howard set a WNBA Finals record with six steals. “Boy, did she have an impact on the defensive side of the ball today,” Dream coach Karl Smesko said. “Like deflections, steals, getting us out in transition, making good decisions with the ball. I mean, you know, she came up huge for us.”
The Dream have been a dominant force in turning their opponents over. They have averaged 16.8 forced turnovers per game across the postseason.
If the Valkyries want to regain control of this series, being better with the ball is the place to start. “Turnovers was a big one,” said Valkyries center Kiah Stokes. “But you could tell they ramped up their defense.”
Atlanta didn’t have too strong of a shooting performance on Monday night either, only shooting 33.9% from the floor, but between how many extra chances they got and 35 free throws, the Valkyries handed the Dream Game 2.
The series now shifts to Atlanta for game three on Wednesday night. Tip-off is at 5 PM PST.
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