The Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Wednesday, October 21, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The best-of-seven championship series is tied 1-1 after Atlanta defeated Golden State 79-65 in Game 2 on Monday, October 19.
With the series shifting to Atlanta, the Dream have an opportunity to take their first series lead and move closer to winning their first WNBA championship.
Here is what happens if the Atlanta Dream win, tie or lose against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3.
What Happens If the Atlanta Dream Win Game 3?
If the Atlanta Dream defeat the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3, Atlanta will take a 2-1 lead in the 2026 WNBA Finals.
A victory would put the Dream just two wins away from capturing their first WNBA championship in franchise history.
Atlanta would also have an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 on Saturday, October 24.
Dream win scenario:
- Atlanta leads the WNBA Finals 2-1.
- The Dream need two more victories to become WNBA champions.
- Golden State trails the series 2-1.
- Atlanta can move within one victory of the championship by winning Game 4.
- The series will continue to Game 5 regardless of the Game 4 result.
What Happens If the Atlanta Dream Tie Against the Valkyries?
A tie is not possible in the WNBA Finals.
If the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries finish regulation with the same score, the game will proceed to overtime.
Each overtime period lasts five minutes, and additional periods are played until one team wins.
Therefore, Game 3 will produce a winner, with either Atlanta or Golden State taking a 2-1 lead in the championship series.
What Happens If the Atlanta Dream Lose Game 3?
If the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Atlanta Dream in Game 3, Golden State will take a 2-1 lead in the 2026 WNBA Finals.
Atlanta would fall behind in the championship series but would not face elimination.
The Dream would still have an opportunity to even the series at 2-2 by winning Game 4 at home on Saturday.
Dream lose scenario:
- Golden State leads the WNBA Finals 2-1.
- Atlanta trails the championship series 2-1.
- The Dream must win three of the remaining four games to capture the championship.
- Atlanta can tie the series 2-2 with a Game 4 victory.
- The Dream remain in championship contention regardless of the Game 3 result.
Can the Atlanta Dream Win the 2026 WNBA Championship in Game 3?
No. The Atlanta Dream cannot clinch the 2026 WNBA championship in Game 3.
The WNBA Finals follow a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games is crowned champion.
Because the series is currently tied 1-1, Atlanta would have only two victories if it wins Game 3.
The earliest the Dream could secure the championship is Game 5 on Monday, October 26, provided they win Games 3, 4 and 5.
How Did the Atlanta Dream Reach a 1-1 Series Tie?
The Golden State Valkyries opened the 2026 WNBA Finals with a 68-64 victory in Game 1 on Saturday, October 17.
However, the Atlanta Dream responded with a 79-65 victory in Game 2 on Monday, October 19.
Angel Reese delivered an outstanding performance for Atlanta, recording 30 points and 16 rebounds in the victory.
The win marked the first WNBA Finals game victory in Atlanta Dream franchise history.
Atlanta now returns home with an opportunity to build on its Game 2 momentum and take control of the championship series.
2026 WNBA Finals Schedule: Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
Here is the remaining schedule for the 2026 WNBA Finals. All times are Eastern.
| Game | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Game 3 | Wednesday, October 21 | 8 p.m. ET |
| Game 4 | Saturday, October 24 | 1 p.m. ET |
| Game 5 | Monday, October 26 | 8 p.m. ET |
| Game 6* | Thursday, October 29 | 8 p.m. ET |
| Game 7* | Saturday, October 31 | 8 p.m. ET |
Games 6 and 7 will be played if necessary.
Where to Watch Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries Game 3
Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries takes place Wednesday, October 21.
Game information:
- Matchup: Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Competition: 2026 WNBA Finals, Game 3
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
- TV Channels: USA Network and CNBC
- Live Streaming: Peacock
- Series: Tied 1-1
Why Game 3 Is Important for the Atlanta Dream
Game 3 presents a major opportunity for the Atlanta Dream as they continue pursuing the franchise’s first WNBA championship.
After splitting the opening two games in Golden State, Atlanta returns home with momentum following its Game 2 victory.
A Game 3 win would give the Dream a 2-1 advantage and an opportunity to extend their lead in Game 4.
However, a loss would put Atlanta behind 2-1 and increase the importance of winning the following game.
With four victories required to win the championship, Game 3 could help determine which team gains control of the series heading into the final stretch.
Final Takeaway: What Happens If the Dream Win or Lose Game 3?
The Atlanta Dream enter Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals tied 1-1 with the Golden State Valkyries.
If Atlanta wins, the Dream will take a 2-1 series lead and move within two victories of their first WNBA championship.
If Atlanta loses, Golden State will take a 2-1 lead, leaving the Dream needing three more victories to win the championship.
A tie is impossible because WNBA games continue into overtime until a winner is determined.
Regardless of the result, the 2026 WNBA Finals will continue through at least Game 5 on October 26.