The Atlanta Dream had a prime opportunity to go up 3-1 in the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, and after looking at how Game 3 unfolded, some would've bet the house on that happening. Unfortunately for the Dream, the Valkyries showed that they still have life and were able to play their brand of basketball, which helped them tie the series 2-2 after Game 5, defeating the home team 67-62.
For the Dream, everything they were able to accomplish in the last two games didn't work, with the main thing being Angel Reese's dominance on both sides of the ball. The Valkyries made some changes to their starting lineup, as well as their defense, that forced Reese into some tough spots.
The rest of the team didn't have it going either, as they shot 33% from the field, 17% from the 3-point line and 71% from thr 3-point line. The Valkyries didn't shoot any better, but they did take more shots, which ultimately helped them have the advantage.
“They just came out aggressive, and we didn’t come out ready to match that. It forced us into some untimely decisions, and they capitalized on it,” Howard said. …We knew they were gonna come out aggressive. We knew they were gonna come out with a different mentality. I just think it was a lack of focus on our part.”
“They were just mixing it up to get a better start to the game,” head coach Karl Smesko said. “They came out super aggressive; they were crashing the boards really hard, they were being very physical on defense, and we just needed to take care of the ball better, get some shots early, and when we did get good shots early, they didn’t fall, and we dug ourselves into a little bit of a hole.”
Just like how the Dream were trying to get into the Valkyries' head throughout the series, they made sure to return the favor in this one, especially to Reese. There were times they were trying to irritate her. When she turned the ball over or missed a shot, the Valkyries bench jumped out of their seats in joy.
Reese finished the game with eight points (2-12 from the field) and six turnovers.
“It was me,” Reese said. “I think I rushed a lot of my shots, and I didn’t take my time finishing around the basket like I’ve been doing the last two games. It happens. I’m just looking forward to the next game.”
Though the Dream looked out of sorts, they only lost by five points, and they realized that if a few things went their way, they would've given themselves a chance.
Article Continues Below“I’m really happy with the fight that we showed in the second half, but we can’t put ourselves in that position where you’re playing a great defensive team, and you’re having to come back from double figures,” Smesko said.
The message from Reese to the team was simple.
“Just get it back to who we are. Our identity,” Reese said. “Being the enforcers and just knowing who we are. I think our second quarter is what, honestly, killed us. So, just being able to get back to it, I think our second half was great. We applied a lot of pressure, but we can't wait until the 2nd half to do it, especially in Ballhalla”