Atlanta Dream Wins First WNBA Finals Game With Aussie Help

After three championship heartbreaks and a game one loss, the Atlanta Dream finally tasted victory in the WNBA Finals.

The Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 79-65 on Monday night at San Francisco's Chase Center, securing their first win in four Finals appearances. Star player Angel Reese dominated with 30 points and 16 rebounds, becoming just the third player in WNBA history to post those numbers in a Finals game.

But the breakthrough moment belonged to 22-year-old Australian rookie Izzy Borlase. With the Dream clinging to a narrow lead late in the second quarter, Borlase blocked a shot from Golden State's Veronica Burton that sparked a fast break.

The play ended with teammate Allisha Gray draining a three-pointer, forcing the Valkyries to call timeout. Reese sprinted across the court to celebrate with Borlase, chest-bumping her teammate as the crowd roared.

Borlase played nearly 17 minutes in her biggest game yet, finishing with two points, one assist, one steal, and that pivotal block. The young guard missed her first four shots but stayed confident, sinking two free throws and making winning plays when it mattered most.

The Dream seized control in the third quarter, with Jordin Canada banking in a long three-pointer at the buzzer to push the lead to 60-46. Unlike game one where they surrendered a late lead, Atlanta held firm down the stretch.

The Ripple Effect

This win means more than just evening the series. The Dream now return home with momentum and home-court advantage for the next two games as they chase their first championship.

For Borlase, who went undrafted before earning her spot, the Finals stage represents the culmination of a remarkable journey from Australia to the world's biggest basketball stage. Her composure under pressure showed why coach Karl Smesko trusted her in the biggest game of the season.

The victory also showcases how perseverance pays off. After being swept in 2010, 2011, and 2013, the Dream refused to let history repeat itself.

"That game one was tough for us, but we turned a page and moved on and got back to who we are," Reese told reporters after the win.

With the series tied 1-1 and heading to Atlanta, the Dream have given their fans something they've waited over a decade to see: a real shot at bringing home the championship trophy.