Atlanta Dream level WNBA Finals as overlooked players shape opening games
Jordin Canada's Game 2 performance helped Atlanta answer Golden State's opening win, while players with less direct paths to the Finals have made decisive contributions.
The Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 79–65 in San Francisco on Monday, October 19, tying the WNBA Finals at 1–1. Jordin Canada's 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds helped Atlanta answer Golden State's opening win, ESPN reported, as players whose routes to prominent Finals roles have varied made an impact on both teams.
Angel Reese led Atlanta with 30 points and 16 rebounds, according to ABC News Australia. The victory was the Dream's first in a WNBA Finals series: they lost their three previous Finals appearances and this year's opener. Atlanta will host the next two games as it pursues its first championship.
How Canada and Charles influenced the series
Canada's Game 2 contribution followed a season in which she averaged 11.6 points and a career-best 7.3 assists, ESPN reported. Injuries had limited her to 20 games in 2024 and 28 in 2025; she played all but one game this season at the time of ESPN's report. Drafted by Seattle in 2018, she won two titles there as a backup before spending two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks and joining Atlanta.
In Game 1, Golden State's Kaila Charles collected three defensive rebounds in the final 1 minute, 7 seconds, ESPN reported. Her last rebound came with the Valkyries protecting a two-point lead and Atlanta's Reese positioned for a possible tying putback. The possession led to Gabby Williams free throws that sealed the opener. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase told ESPN that Charles changes the game when she comes in.
Charles's place in the Finals follows several short WNBA stops. ESPN reported that she missed the 2024 season and was released by Dallas after 17 games in 2025 before Golden State called. Williams, meanwhile, led the Valkyries with 26 points in Game 1; ESPN said she averaged a career-best 14.4 points after joining the team and made the All-Defensive first team.
Borlase's defensive play and the next games
Atlanta rookie Izzy Borlase also contributed in Game 2 despite scoring only two points. ABC News Australia reported that she played almost 17 minutes and recorded an assist, a steal and a block. Her block on Veronica Burton late in the second period preceded an Allisha Gray three-pointer, helping Atlanta take a 39–37 halftime lead. Gray finished with 18 points.
The series moves to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday, October 22, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday, October 24, BBC Sport reported. The teams enter those home games level after splitting the first two in San Francisco.
Read in depth: Sports
Erik ten Hag says Cristiano Ronaldo let Manchester United down
The former United manager said Ronaldo lacked the preparation and movement needed for the role he had planned for him during their brief time together at Old Trafford.
Rams fall to 2-4 after late Cardinals field goal as injuries mount
Arizona’s last-second field goal handed Los Angeles an 18-16 home defeat. Sean McVay said the Rams’ energy fell short as injuries mount at receiver, defensive tackle and kicker.
Sources and context
- Six players finally getting their time in the spotlight in the WNBA FinalsESPN
- WNBA: Angel Reese stars as Atlanta Dream win first Finals match with victory against Golden State ValkyriesBBC Sport
- Aussie Opal's block fires Dream to WNBA finals winABC News Australia
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.