The essentials
Atlanta Dream beat Golden State Valkyries 97-71 in Game 3, with Angel Reese posting 21 points and 12 rebounds.
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 in Game 3 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The game was moved there from Gateway Center Arena and was sold out. Angel Reese recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds in the game.
The result followed Atlanta's Game 2 victory, the first Finals win in franchise history. Across the first three games, Atlanta also outscored Golden State 63-35 in third quarters.
Game 1 averaged 2.1 million viewers on NBC, and Game 2 averaged **1.33 million viewers on USA Network. Viewership figures for Game 3 were not included in the available reports. Game 4 is also sold out*, according to reports.
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Atlanta's third-quarter scoring stands out across the first three games
Atlanta's scoring in third quarters has been a consistent feature of the first three games, where it outscored Golden State 63-35 in that period. Game 3's 26-point final margin came after a Game 2 win that marked the franchise's first Finals victory. Viewed this way, the series has so far been defined by Atlanta's play in the middle stretch of games, though the sample covers only three contests.
Broadcast audiences and ticket demand moved in different directions
Game 1 drew an average of 2.1 million viewers on NBC, while Game 2 averaged 1.33 million on USA Network, a lower figure. Game 3's viewership was not part of the reported data. Attendance offers a different measure of interest: Game 3 sold out at State Farm Arena after moving from Gateway Center Arena, and Game 4 is also sold out.