Why did Dream win Game 2 vs. Valkyries? Allisha Gray’s 2-word answer is epic

Atlanta Dream secured a hard-fought 79-65 victory over Golden State Valkyries in Game 2, evening the score at one game apiece in the 2026 WNBA Finals. The game marked a significant turnaround for the Dream, who had struggled in their opener. At the heart of the resurgence was Allisha Gray's acknowledgment that their turnaround can be attributed to one player: "Angel Reese."

Gray delivered a standout performance with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 18 points and made history with six steals. Reese dominated the game from start to finish, imposing her will on Golden State's defense and creating opportunities for her teammates. Gray's concise answer to what made the difference in the game, "Angel Reese," encapsulated the impact of the Dream's star forward on the series' outcome.

Atlanta's journey to the Finals has been marked by resilience and depth, with the team tying a franchise record with 30 regular-season wins. The loss to Golden State in Game 1 was their first significant setback, but Game 2 demonstrated Atlanta's ability to bounce back when Reese anchors the team's offensive and defensive efforts.

With the series now tied, the Dream have a chance to capitalize on Reese's breakthrough performance and potentially capture their first WNBA Finals title.