Valkyries and Dream Settle WNBA Title in First Game 7

The Atlanta Dream kept their championship hopes alive with an 80-69 win over the Golden State Valkyries on October 29, tying the WNBA Finals at three games apiece. The teams will play the league’s first Finals Game 7 at Chase Center in San Francisco on October 31, with the winner earning its first title.

Atlanta took control early, scoring 32 points in the first quarter and building a 46-26 halftime lead. The Dream shot 73% in the opening quarter and made six of eight three-point attempts. Golden State, which had won Games 4 and 5, shot 29% in the period.

Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points, while Tiffany Hayes scored 15. Golden State mounted a late push, outscoring Atlanta 22-17 in the fourth quarter, but Allisha Gray’s corner three helped stop the rally. Gray and Rhyne Howard combined for 44 points for the Dream; Angel Reese had 15 points and 14 rebounds.

The Game 7 get-in price was listed at $396, making it the most expensive WNBA game to attend. The Valkyries have sold out every home game and finished the season 17-5 at home; Atlanta was 15-7 in road games. The Valkyries are in their second season, while the Dream have lost three previous Finals appearances.