"Angel Reese is a game changer": The WNBA bows down to Reese after finals masterclass
With a historic third straight Finals double-double and Atlanta leading the series 2-1, Reese is turning her championship ambitions into a statement on the court
Angel Reese is giving the Atlanta Dream exactly what they hoped for when they brought her into the fold: relentless rebounding, defensive intensity and performances that can change the direction of a championship series.
The 24-year-old forward delivered another outstanding display on Wednesday, recording 21 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals as Atlanta overwhelmed the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.
Her performance helped the Dream seize a 2-1 series lead and put them halfway to the first championship in franchise history.
The WNBA quickly celebrated Reese's latest achievement on social media, posting the emphatic declaration: “ Angel Reese is a GAME CHANGER,” alongside her Game 3 numbers.
The league also highlighted her remarkable consistency throughout the series: “ Angel Reese turned up in front of the home crowd,” the WNBA stated. “She was consistent from start to finish recording 21 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL & 2 3PM on 7-12 shooting! She’s averaging 21.7 PPG & 13.3 RPG through the #2026WNBAFinals and becomes the second player to reach those averages across any 3-game WNBA Finals span, the other being A’ja Wilson.”
The comparison with Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson underlines the level Reese has reached during her first Finals appearance.
She has produced a double-double in all three games, becoming the first player in WNBA history to accomplish that feat across her first three Finals outings.
But Reese's impact goes beyond a collection of impressive numbers. Her response to Atlanta's opening loss has helped transform the momentum of the series, while her energy and willingness to take responsibility have become central to the Dream's championship push.
From a frustrating opener to a historic Finals run
Reese's Finals began with disappointment. Atlanta led for much of Game 1 but eventually fell 68-64, with Reese unable to score in the second half after a productive opening quarter.
Rather than blame Golden State's defense, Reese accepted responsibility for her lack of aggression. That response set the stage for a spectacular turnaround two days later.
In Game 2, she exploded for 30 points and 16 rebounds as Atlanta earned a 79-65 victory, securing the franchise's first-ever win in a WNBA Finals game.
She became the third player in Finals history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a single game, joining Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart .
Reese also made clear how much the opening defeat had bothered her. She said she felt she had let the team down by failing to contribute enough after halftime, including through her screening, hustle and rebounding.
The second game offered an immediate answer. Reese attacked the basket, controlled the glass and added a threat from beyond the arc.
Her three-point shooting has become an increasingly useful part of her game, and Atlanta remains unbeaten in contests in which she makes at least one three-pointer, with its record now at 15-0.
Game 3 showed that the improvement was no one-night occurrence. Reese again scored efficiently, made both of her three-point attempts and helped Atlanta establish control after Golden State briefly tied the game at 49-49 in the third quarter.
The Dream responded with an eight-point run, including four points from Reese, before closing the period with 12 of the final 14 points. Golden State never recovered.
