Valkyries intent on avoiding slow start in WNBA Finals Game 7

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will compete in the first-ever Game 7 of the WNBA Finals under the best-of-seven format, with the series tied 3-3 after Atlanta’s 80-69 win in Game 6. The winner of Saturday’s decisive matchup at the Chase Center will claim their first WNBA championship, highlighting the culmination of a closely contested and historic postseason.

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream are preparing for a historic Game 7 in the WNBA Finals, marking the first time the championship series has gone the distance since the league adopted a best-of-seven format last season. The decisive matchup is set for Saturday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco, with both teams vying for their inaugural WNBA title.

The Dream secured a critical 80-69 victory over the Valkyries in Game 6 on Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, evening the series at 3-3. Atlanta established control early, shooting an impressive 73.3 percent in the opening quarter and pulling ahead 32-15—an output that was the highest one-quarter point total by either team this series. The Dream maintained a lead of at least eight points for the remainder of the contest.

Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase expressed frustration over her team’s slow start, describing the lack of defensive intensity as “disappointing and frustrating.” She acknowledged the urgency required for Saturday’s decisive game, emphasizing her responsibility to instill that mindset. Nakase plans to discuss the issue further with her players during their return flight to California.

“We knew they were going to play desperate, like their life depends on it,” Nakase said. “For us not to match that is disappointing.” Valkyries guard Veronica Burton echoed the sentiment, underscoring the importance of entering the game with urgency.

Atlanta’s Allisha Gray led the scoring in Game 6 with 23 points, supported by 21 from Rhyne Howard and a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds from Angel Reese. Reese acknowledged the team’s progress but stressed the need to maintain focus moving forward, noting the potential to elevate their performance.

Despite a controversial 12:30 p.m. Eastern start time on Thursday, which drew criticism for conflicting with fans’ work and school commitments, the Dream benefited from a sellout crowd of 17,099 at State Farm Arena. Reese praised the fans for their support under challenging circumstances and anticipated an even more electric atmosphere for Game 7 in San Francisco.

Golden State experienced a scare late in Game 6 when veteran Tiffany Hayes was called for her fifth foul following a collision for a loose ball. Although Hayes appeared shaken, Nakase reported she seemed fine after evaluation.

Nakase dismissed suggestions that the early tip-off or time zone differences impacted the team’s performance. “No. That had nothing to do with it,” she said, referencing their prior experience with similar game times.

As the series returns to San Francisco, both teams enter the decisive game aware of the stakes and determined to avoid early lapses that could prove costly. The winner of the first WNBA Finals Game 7 will secure the championship and make history in the league’s evolving postseason landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.