Atlanta Dream Lead WNBA Finals Over Valkyries
The Atlanta Dream now hold a two games to one series advantage over the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Basketball
The Atlanta Dream lead the Golden State Valkyries 2-1 in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals series. Four former South Carolina Gamecocks players are currently participating in the championship.
Why it matters
The presence of multiple former University of South Carolina players underscores the impact of the school's program on the professional level of the WNBA.
Allisha Gray contributed 37 combined points during the first two games and added eight points with five assists in Game 3. Madina Okot recorded three points in Game 3, while Laeticia Amihere has logged seven combined points and rebounds in the series.
The players
Allisha Gray
She is a professional basketball player currently competing for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals.
Madina Okot
She is a professional basketball player participating in the current WNBA championship series.
Te-Hina Paopao
She is a professional basketball player who recently made her debut in the WNBA Finals.
Laeticia Amihere
She is a professional basketball player contributing to the series statistics for her team.
The details
Te-Hina Paopao made her first appearance in the WNBA Finals during the third game of the series. The competition continues as the teams battle for the title in the best-of-seven format.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: The Atlanta Dream won Game 3 of the Finals.
Saturday, October 24, 2026: Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.
April 2026: Madina Okot played for a national championship.
Season Trajectory
The current 2-1 series standing dictates the immediate pressure for both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries as they push toward the four-win championship threshold. This series placement determines which team gains momentum heading into the critical late-stage games of the season.
The Dream's 2-1 lead means they are two wins away from securing the title, while the Valkyries must force a Game 5 to remain viable in the series. The upcoming Game 4 serves as a pivotal matchup that will decide if the Dream take a commanding 3-1 lead or if the series returns to a tie.
The takeaway
The performance of former collegiate stars highlights the depth of talent currently defining the professional basketball postseason. Fans should note that the series remains fluid with crucial momentum shifts expected during the upcoming weekend games.
What happens next
Game 4 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Atlanta.
Further reading
For more on the current series progress, visit Atlanta Basketball.
