Valkyries Fall to Dream, 65-79 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals
Ballhalla saw its Golden State Valkyries fall for the first time this postseason, as the Atlanta Dream pulled ahead in the second half Monday evening and clinched the win.
Riding into Game 2 of the WNBA Finals off a four-point win Saturday, the Valkyries struggled to stay afloat. After losing the lead right at halftime, the team put up only nine points in the third quarter.
But the Dream tacked on 21 points to end the third quarter strong, finishing with a 14-point lead over the Valkyries. The crowd erupted in groans during a handful of foul calls in the third quarter — with some fans chanting “Ref, you suck!” from the bleachers, according to KQED’s Natalia Navarro, who reported live from Ballhalla.
Jordin Canada ended the quarter with a buzzer beater from across the court, before the Dream continued dominating the fourth quarter, scoring an additional 19 points. Angel Reese carried the Dream’s offense with a double-double — 30 points and 16 rebounds. She also made history, becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to have at least 20 points and 10 boards in a Finals game.
The Dream sank nearly twice as many free throws as the Valkyries, clearing 30 out of 35 shots from the line, with the Valkyries making 16 out of 19.
The Valkyries fought through the end, putting 19 points on the board in the fourth quarter, but ultimately, were left chasing the Dream, who forced 19 turnovers. In the postgame conference, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said they “shot terribly” and that they “need to be able to take a punch and punch back.”
Despite the loss, the fans still have faith and they kept the energy high through the bitter end.
“These ladies can pull it out,” Merrill Feather told KQED after the game.
“The good news is, there will be one more game here and they’ll take it then,” Paul Wedel said.
The franchise has come a long — and fast — way since its debut in 2024.
As the WNBA’s 13th addition to the league, the Valkyries have seen an explosive rise, with one of the league’s most devoted fan bases. Violet-clad crowds flock to Chase Center to cheer them on, and the team has already broken records.
Earlier this month, Sportico reported that the Valkyries became the first professional women’s sports team in history to surpass $100 million in annual revenue. It also estimated that after a full WNBA Finals run, the Valkyries could end up bringing in around $30 million more.
The Athletic’s podcast, No Offseason, said that Ballhalla gives the Valkyries a significant home-court advantage. The Valkyries sold out every game this season and last — packing the stands with violet wigs, sequin jackets and fans chanting “G-S-V” until they lose their voices.
Games 3 and 4 will take place in Atlanta’s 17,000-seat State Farm Arena according to ESPN. This arena is an upgrade from the Dream’s usual home, the Gateway Center Arena at College Park, which holds just 3,500 fans.
To make the move work, Game 3 was pushed up from Oct. 22 to Oct. 21. For Game 4, the Hawks changed their tipoff time on Oct. 24 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the Valkyries and the Dream changed theirs from 3:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
While the Valkyries are away, fans can cheer together throughout the city or stop by Boohalla to get in the violet spirit.
If the series goes to Game 7, the Valkyries and the Dream return to San Francisco for a haunted Halloween showdown.
A standout moment for Game 2, KQED’s Natalia Navarro reported, was what came after the buzzer. Valkyries fans proved their reputation, chanting “G-S-V” for a solid minute and cheering the team off the court.