Australian rookie Izzy Borlase has helped the Atlanta Dream to their historic first WNBA finals victory, shining in a series-levelling 79–65 triumph over Golden State.
Dream superstar Angel Reese was a dominant figure in game two at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), posting a monster double-double with 30 points and 16 rebounds.
The Dream’s win was their first in a title-deciding best-of-seven series, after being swept in their three previous appearances and losing game one against the Valkyries this year.
Coach Karl Smesko’s team will enjoy home-court advantage in the next two games as they chase their first WNBA championship.
Borlase could play a key role after being entrusted with almost 17 minutes on court in game two, finishing with two points, one assist, one steal and one block.
The 22-year-old missed all four field-goal attempts in the first half, but sank a pair of free throws and made a huge play to help Atlanta to a 39–37 lead at the main break.
Borlase’s block on Veronica Burton late in the second period led to an Allisha Gray (18 points) triple and forced the Valkyries to call a time-out.
It drew huge praise from Reese, who made a beeline for her teammate and celebrated with a chest bump and double-fist to the chest.
Atlanta seized control in a dominant third quarter and took a 60–46 lead after Jordin Canada (13 points) banked a long-range three on the buzzer.
Overrun after leading late in game one, the Dream held firm this time to record their breakthrough finals victory.
Reese became the third player in WNBA history to have at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a finals game.
Another Australian Opals star, Miela Sowah, sat on the bench for the Valkyries and will remain there throughout the finals due to her restricted status as a development player.
AAP
By
