Dream Beat Valkyries to Force WNBA Finals Game 7

Atlanta kept its championship hopes alive on October 29, beating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 at State Farm Arena. The victory tied the series at three games apiece and set up the WNBA Finals’ first-ever deciding game, scheduled for October 31 at Chase Center in San Francisco.

A sellout crowd of 17,099 watched the Dream take control early. Atlanta built a lead as large as 25 points before halftime, then held off a second-half push by the Valkyries. Golden State cut the margin to nine late in the game, but an Allisha Gray three-pointer helped secure the win.

Gray led Atlanta with 23 points, while Rhyne Howard and Gray combined for 44. Angel Reese added 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Her 14 boards brought her Finals total to 78, a series record. She also made two three-pointers, despite shooting five for 18 overall.

Reese credited the home crowd’s support for helping the team, saying the players drew energy from fans who came out for a weekday afternoon game. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said the team’s spacing and pace were closer to its preferred style of play. The Dream will now try to earn the franchise’s first championship on the Valkyries’ home court.