WNBA Finals Game 3: Atlanta Dream Lead Golden State Valkyries at Halftime
The Atlanta Dream led the Golden State Valkyries 46-40 at halftime in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, USA Today reported. Angel Reese paced the Dream with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in the first half.
Atlanta Dream Lead Golden State Before Intermission
The Atlanta Dream capitalized on 10 Golden State turnovers to score 14 points before intermission, holding a 16-10 advantage in points in the paint. Naz Hillmon contributed nine points for Atlanta by hitting three shots from beyond the arc as the team shot 7-of-16 from 3-point range. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard each added seven points for the Dream. Rhyne Howard picked up her third foul with 4:18 remaining in the second quarter, prompting head coach Karl Smesko to unsuccessfully challenge the call.
The Golden State Valkyries struggled offensively from their starting lineup, which combined for just 14 points in the first half. Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kiah Stokes shot poorly early, with the team starting 0-for-8 from the field before Aminata Gueye scored on a turnaround hook shot. Golden State stayed within two possessions at halftime due to its bench, which supplied 26 points. Janelle Salaun led the reserves with 11 points, Gabby Williams added eight, and Cecilia Zandalasini chipped in six. The Valkyries shot 41% overall and made 8-of-15 from 3-point distance.
State Farm Arena Hosts 17,000 Fans and Celebrities
State Farm Arena hosted a crowd of 17,000 for Game 3, marking an upgrade from the Atlanta Dream’s usual 3,500-seat home venue at Gateway Center Arena, USA Today reported. Former NFL players Cam Newton and Ryan Clark sat courtside. LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey attended the game to support her former player, Angel Reese. Enes Kanter Freedom moved to a suite before tipoff after expressing safety concerns, according to State Farm Arena.
Broadcast Schedule and Upcoming Games
Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals aired nationally on USA Network and CNBC, with live streaming available on Peacock. The best-of-seven series stood at 1-1 entering the matchup after Atlanta won Game 2 by a score of 79-65. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
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