Valkyries Look to Extend Finals Lead Against Dream in Game 2.
The Golden State Valkyries will host the Atlanta Dream on Monday night in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, aiming to build on their 68-64 victory in the series opener on October 17. Golden State holds a 1-0 advantage after Gabby Williams led the way with 26 points, while Allisha Gray finished with 19 for Atlanta. The Valkyries enter the matchup with a 32-12 overall record and a 17-5 mark at home. They average 82.2 points per game while shooting 42.2% from the field. Golden State also converts 10.4 three-pointers per contest, giving it an advantage against an Atlanta defense that allows 8.1 made threes per game. Atlanta, which finished 30-14 during the regular season, has been effective on the road with a 15-7 record away from home. The Dream lead the Eastern Conference in scoring in the paint, averaging 43.7 points per game in that area, with Angel Reese contributing an average of 11.0 points in the paint. The Dream also hold an edge in overall field-goal shooting. Atlanta has connected on 44.2% of its attempts this season, compared with the 41.4% shooting percentage recorded by Golden State's opponents. Veronica Burton has averaged 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game for the Valkyries. Williams has been particularly productive recently, averaging 19.3 points, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals over her last 10 games.
For Atlanta, Rhyne Howard leads the team's key contributions with averages of 17.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Reese has averaged 18.1 points over her last 10 outings.
Both teams arrive in strong form. Golden State has won eight of its last 10 games, averaging 81.8 points, 38.3 rebounds, 17.3 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.6 blocks during that stretch. The Valkyries have shot 39.7% from the field while holding opponents to 76.5 points per game.
Atlanta has won nine of its last 10 contests and averaged 91.4 points, 33.9 rebounds, 21.5 assists, 9.8 steals and 3.6 blocks over that span. The Dream have shot 43.5% from the field, with opponents averaging 77.2 points per game. Golden State will remain without Iliana Rupert, who is out for the season due to pregnancy. Atlanta is also missing Brionna Jones, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a leg injury.
Game 2 is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. EDT in San Francisco, with the Valkyries looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead and the Dream seeking to even the series before the next matchup.
