Reese sets WNBA Finals rebound record as Dream force historic Game 7
Atlanta defeated Golden State 80-69 on Thursday to tie the series, with Angel Reese finishing the game with 14 boards and a series total of 78.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Angel Reese recorded 14 rebounds and 15 points for the Atlanta Dream in a decisive victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, October 29. The 80-69 final score at State Farm Arena sent the WNBA Finals to a seventh game for the first time in league history. The series is now tied 3-3.
Reese's performance marked a sharp turnaround after two difficult outings. In the previous two games, she made four shots on 20 attempts. In Game 6, she also contributed six assists and played a key role in Atlanta's offensive surge. Her 14 rebounds pushed her series total to 78, a new record for a single Finals.
The previous mark stood at 75 rebounds, a number established by Sylvia Fowles in 2017. Reese achieved the new benchmark with one game remaining. The record stands even if the Dream lose the deciding game, as the statistic is based on total rebounds across the series.
Atlanta controlled the game from the opening tip. The Dream scored 32 points in the first quarter, setting a WNBA Finals record for the most points in an opening period. They held a 46-26 lead at halftime. The margin of victory reached 25 points before the final whistle.
Golden State entered the game with a 3-2 series lead. A loss meant elimination. The Valkyries attempted to close the gap in the second half but could not overcome the early deficit. Both franchises are chasing their first WNBA championship in the upcoming finale.
The deciding game is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in California. It will be the first time a Finals series has reached Game 7. The matchup will determine the league title for both teams.
Reese acknowledged the need to adjust her mentality after her recent struggles, according to the Associated Press. She stated her primary goal was to help her team win rather than focus solely on personal statistics. That approach led to a performance that kept Atlanta alive in the championship race.
The Dream finished the game with a lead that reflected their early dominance. Reese's rebounding total now tops the league record books for the playoffs. The next opportunity for her to extend that mark arrives in two days.
Source: WENZ
