Now Reading: Dream Stun Valkyries to Force First-Ever WNBA Finals Game 7
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Dream Stun Valkyries to Force First-Ever WNBA Finals Game 7
Atlanta Dream refused to let the Golden State Valkyries crown themselves champions. An 80-69 victory in Game Six has forced the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, and a franchise once winless in the Finals now sits one game away from the title.
Dream Storm Out of the Blocks
The Valkyries arrived in Atlanta leading the series 3-2 and one win from their first WNBA title. They never found their rhythm.
The Dream raced to a 32-15 lead after the first quarter. That 17-point cushion proved pivotal, and the hosts never let it slip.
Halftime Gap Tells the Story
By the break, Atlanta led 46-26. Golden State had to chase the game from the opening minutes, and the Dream had no intention of giving the lead back.
| Stage | Atlanta Dream | Golden State Valkyries |
|---|---|---|
| End of Q1 | 32 | 15 |
| Halftime | 46 | 26 |
| Final | 80 | 69 |
Reese Rebounds, Williams Resists
Angel Reese led all players with 14 rebounds. Kiah Stokes had kept her quiet in Game Five, but this time she could not repeat the feat.
Reese is in her first season with the Dream after a trade from the Chicago Sky. At 24, she became the youngest player, and only the third overall, to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals series, after her Game Two display.
Williams Fights Back for Golden State
Gabby Williams was not at her best, but she still topped the scoring charts with 26 points. It was not enough to drag the Valkyries back into contention.
| Player | Team | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Gabby Williams | Golden State Valkyries | 26 points (game high) |
| Angel Reese | Atlanta Dream | 14 rebounds (game high) |
Setting the Tone Early
Karl Smesko’s side had no margin for error, and it showed. Reese said the early punch made the difference.
“Every time we threw the first punch we won the game. We set the tone early,” Reese said after the game.
She added that the group had been waiting for its chance and made the most of it.
“We needed an opportunity and that’s all we needed. We maximised it today. Just really proud of this group. The job is not done. I’m looking forward to it. One more [game to go].”
Breaking a Painful Finals History
The win carries extra weight for Atlanta. The Dream had never won a Finals game before this series, with a record of zero wins and 10 defeats after 3-0 series losses in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Now they have forced a decider against the team that was one win from the championship.
Venue Switch Sparks Drama Off the Court
The build-up to Game Six was not smooth. The game was originally scheduled for 20:00 local time at Gateway Center Arena, which holds 3,500 fans.
It was moved to State Farm Arena and brought forward to 12:30 local time amid concerns over a scheduling clash with the Atlanta Hawks. The Dream voiced their frustration in an open letter.
“Our concerns did not receive the attention nor the urgency that they deserved. We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for its team,” the Dream said.
A Sold-Out Midday Crowd
Fans answered the call. State Farm Arena, with a capacity of 16,888, was sold out on a weekday lunchtime.
“We didn’t have everyone come out at 12:30 for nothing. We appreciate the fans’ support, on a week day, they came out and supported us,” Reese said.
What Comes Next: A Historic Game 7
The series now heads to Golden State for the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. It tips off at 01:00 GMT on Sunday.
The Valkyries chase their first title, while the Dream chase their first Finals triumph. Momentum, history and a roaring crowd will all be in play.
