The Atlanta Dream denied the Golden State Valkyries their first WNBA title with an 80-69 win on Sunday, forcing a seventh and deciding game. Before this series, the Dream had never won a Finals game, holding a record of zero wins and 10 defeats after 3-0 series losses in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
The Valkyries led the series 3-2 heading into the game in Atlanta, but they got off to a slow start and trailed 32-15 at the end of the first quarter. That deficit proved pivotal. The hosts maintained a healthy buffer throughout and led 46-26 at half-time.
Gabby Williams Leads Golden State
Despite not being at her best, Gabby Williams was the game’s top scorer for Golden State with 26 points. Angel Reese led the rebounding charts with 14.
Reese, who is in her first season with the Dream after being traded from the Chicago Sky, delivered another standout performance. Her Game Two display had already made her the youngest player, and only the third overall, to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals series. The 24-year-old’s Game Five performance was quieter, as Kiah Stokes kept her in check, but Reese could not replicate that effort in the same way on Sunday.
Dream Keep the Series Alive
Karl Smesko’s side had no room for error, and they delivered a superb performance to keep what has been a thrilling series alive.
“Every time we threw the first punch we won the game. We set the tone early,” Reese said after the game.
“We needed an opportunity and that’s all we needed. We maximised it today. Just really proud of this group. The job is not done. I’m looking forward to it. One more [game to go].”
The first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history will be played at Golden State at 01:00 GMT on Sunday.
Fight Over Game Six Venue
Game Six was originally scheduled for 20:00 local time at Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500. It was moved to State Farm Arena and brought forward to 12:30 local time amid concerns over a scheduling clash with the Atlanta Hawks.
“Our concerns did not receive the attention nor the urgency that they deserved. We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for its team,” the Dream said in an open letter.
State Farm Arena, which has a capacity of 16,888, was sold out for the game. Reese praised the crowd.
“We didn’t have everyone come out at 12:30 for nothing. We appreciate the fans’ support, on a week day, they came out and supported us,” Reese added.