Atlanta Dream Force WNBA Finals To Deciding Game After Beating Golden State

The Atlanta Dream avoided elimination by defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday at State Farm Arena. The victory forces the WNBA Finals to a decisive Game 7. The game was played at an unusual 12:30 p.m. start time to accommodate the local crowd.

Allisha Gray led the Dream with 23 points. Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points to help secure the win. Angel Reese recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The team shot 11 of 15 from the field and made six of their eight three-point attempts. Golden State’s Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points, while Tiffany Hayes added 15.

The Dream established a commanding lead early in the first quarter. Jordin Canada hit two three-pointers during a 13-point run that extended Atlanta’s advantage. The team entered halftime with a 46-26 lead. Golden State struggled offensively in the first half, making only 9 of 34 shots. The Valkyries had difficulty creating open looks against the Dream’s defensive pressure.

Rhyne Howard started the third quarter with another three-pointer. Later in the period, Golden State guard Veronica Burton committed a flagrant foul on Howard. Video review showed she made unnecessary contact on Howard’s face during a drive. Kaila Charles hit a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter to trim Atlanta’s lead to 16 points. This was the closest the Valkyries had come since the first quarter.

Golden State mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter. The team pulled within 13 points before Allisha Gray and Angel Reese hit three-pointers to push the lead back to 74-55. Gabby Williams then scored a three-point play to cut the deficit to 77-69. Gray responded with a three-pointer to settle the nerves of the home crowd.

Tiffany Hayes was called for her fifth foul with 5:01 remaining. She left the court slowly after receiving attention from a trainer. Laeticia Amihere hit two free throws with 1:57 left to bring the Valkyries to within 11 points. The Dream held on to close the game at 80-69. This marks the second time this season the Atlanta Hawks changed their game time to accommodate the Dream at State Farm Arena.

The Hawks moved their previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers to 8 p.m. on Thursday to make room for the Dream. Earlier this week, the Hawks shifted their tip-off to 8:30 p.m. for Game 4. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens asked local educators and employers to extend grace to fans watching the games during work hours. All Dream home games for the 2027 season will also be played at State Farm Arena.

The two teams will meet again for Game 7 on Saturday at 8 p.m. The game will be held at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Dream will look to close out the series in front of Golden State’s home crowd.