The Atlanta Dream forced a decisive Game 7 in the WNBA Finals after an 80-69 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 6 on Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The Dream capitalized on a strong start, shooting 73.3% in the first quarter and opening a commanding 32-15 lead, the largest quarter score in the series. Atlanta maintained a double-digit advantage for most of the game, stifling Golden State’s early momentum and forcing the Valkyries to play catch-up.
Coach Natalie Nakase of the Valkyries expressed frustration over her team’s slow start, which contrasted sharply with their defensive intensity in the previous Game 5 win. “For us not to match that is disappointing and frustrating,” she said, acknowledging that the Dream approached the contest “like their life depended on it.” Nakase planned to discuss with her players how to ensure a more urgent and focused approach in Saturday’s Game 7 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, a venue nicknamed "Ballhalla." Despite the loss, the Valkyries remain optimistic, with guard Veronica Burton emphasizing the need for urgency in the final game.
The Dream’s resurgence followed a players-only meeting during a break in the series, where forward Naz Hillmon urged the team to remember their capabilities and prior achievements. This renewed confidence was evident in their disciplined offensive execution, led by Allisha Gray’s 23 points and Rhyne Howard’s 21. Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, acknowledging the team's improved shooting and the importance of maintaining their “swagger” going forward.
Atlanta’s home crowd of 17,099 fans delivered a raucous atmosphere despite the early 9:30 a.m. Pacific time tipoff, a schedule that had faced criticism for its impact on attendance. The energy from the sellout crowd was credited by players as a key factor in their performance. Reese noted that the upcoming Game 7 in San Francisco will feature an even louder environment, but emphasized staying composed under heightened pressure.
Injuries were a concern late in Game 6 when Golden State’s Tiffany Hayes was called for her fifth foul after a collision, briefly leaving the court. Although she appeared to recover, the Valkyries will monitor her status ahead of the final game.
This year marks the first WNBA Finals to extend to a seventh game, with previous Finals following a best-of-five format before the league’s switch to a best-of-seven series in 2025. The Dream’s return to the Finals comes after prior appearances in 2010, 2011, and 2013, while the Valkyries have reached the championship round in only their second year of existence.
Game 7 represents a high-stakes moment for both teams pursuing their franchise’s first WNBA title. The Valkyries aim to bounce back from Thursday’s defensive lapses, while the Dream seek to build on their momentum and capitalize on the pressure now shifted onto Golden State as the home team. The winner will secure the championship in a closely contested series that has showcased resilience, adjustments, and intense competition.