The Golden State Valkyries fell to the Atlanta Dream 79-65 in Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center on Monday night. The Valkyries second unit outscored the Dream 33-11 while only one starter, Gabby Williams, reached double figures in scoring with 14. Kaila Charles led the team from the 3-point line, making three of the Valkyries seven triples in the contest. Angel Reese paced the Dream's offense with 27 points. The seven-game series is now tied 1-1 as the two teams will head to Atlanta next for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (5 p.m. PT).
Highlights: Golden State Valkyries 65 - Atlanta Dream 79 | 10/19/26
TIGHTLY CONTESTED FIRST HALF
The first quarter had seven lead changes as the team's exchanged points in an intense start to Game 2. The Valkyries held a one point advantage before forcing a turnover on Angel Reese for the final possession of the frame. Tiffany Hayes ran down the clock before Kaitlyn Chen drove to the rim, scooping a left-handed layup in with 0.2 seconds remaining to the thundering applause of Ballhalla.
Kaitlyn Chen Lays It In To End the First Quarter vs. Atlanta | 10/19/26
The Valkyries only scored three field goals in the second quarter with 62.5% of their 16 points coming from the free throw line. All three plays came from Tiffany Hayes as she penetrated the defense and took the ball straight to the cup. Golden State ended the first half trailing Atlanta by two points.
STOKES STRONG DEFENSE
Kiah Stokes contributed four big time blocks and 11 rebounds on Monday night. This marks the fifth game Stokes has recorded 3 or more blocks during the playoffs as she continues her impressive defensive campaign.
MOMENTUM SHIFT
With both teams tied at 40-40 early in the third quarter, the Dream took the upper hand by launching a 29-8 scoring run that carried them to a game-high 21 point lead midway through the final frame. The Valkyries were unable to climb back from the deficit, despite finally warming up from the 3-point line by sinking three triples in the fourth quarter.
Natalie Nakase Postgame Press Conference | 10/19/26
Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton Postgame Press Conference | 10/19/26
UP NEXT
The Valkyries will continue the 7-game series on the road when they play Game 3 against the Atlanta Dream in State Farm Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (5 p.m. PT; WATCH: USA/Peacock, LISTEN: 95.7 The Game, ESPN 1320, The Audacy App). With the series tied at 1-1, there will be a Game 5 hosted at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 (5 p.m. WATCH: USA/Peacock, LISTEN: 95.7 The Game, ESPN 1320, The Audacy App) and tickets are available now.
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