Angel Reese credited New York Liberty champions Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones for urging her to keep pushing toward winning a title before her 30-point, 16-rebound Game 2 performance and win

Angel Reese joined an exclusive WNBA Finals club Monday after the Atlanta Dream's Game 2 victory, powered largely by her efforts, and two women already in the league's history were the first to encourage her to get there.

New York Liberty stars and champions Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones gave Reese the push she needed to dominate Game 2 against the Golden State Valkyries after a second half of total passivity toward the end of Game 1.

After helping the Dream beat the Valkyries 79-65 with 30 points and 16 rebounds, Reese said the two WNBA stars encouraged her to keep attacking. The veterans still gave the third-year star sound advice, even after Atlanta swept the Liberty in the Semifinals.

"You know, it's funny. Them two told me to go get it," Reese said. "They told me to keep going and pushing through that last game in New York. So shout out to them, but I'm just doing whatever it takes to win."

Reese scored 14 points but disappeared offensively after halftime in Game 1. Some viewers criticized her body language in the closing seconds, but her frustration didn't prove she abandoned her teammates like the internet tried to say.

Monday was a completely different story from the opening tip. Reese attacked the basket, crashed the glass and found her flow state early, scoring 15 points before the break despite picking up three personal fouls in the first half.

The Dream unleashed an 18-4 run that shifted the entire championship series with Game 2 tied 42-42 in the third quarter.

Reese scored nine points in the period as the Dream held Golden State to nine, turning a tense contest into a comfortable win.

"We came and fought," Reese said afterward. "That game one was tough for us, but we moved on and turned the page and got back to who we are."

Reese scored efficiently and hit her only three-pointer, went 10-for-16 from the field and 9-for-11 at the line, with three assists, two blocks and a steal.

Atlanta forced Golden State into 18 turnovers. Reese also reflected on the legends who guided her career, including her first WNBA head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon.

"They walk so I can run," she continued. "I'm in year three, but I deserve to be here and we deserve to be here. Atlanta, y'all better pull up and pop out," she continued.

The Dream-Valkyries series continues Wednesday at State Farm Arena for the first time since back-to-back trips at Ballhalla.