Atlanta Dream Defeat Golden State Valkyries 80-69 to Force WNBA Finals Game 7
The Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6, forcing the WNBA Finals to a historic winner-take-all seventh game.
The WNBA Finals will feature a historic Game 7 for the first time after the fourth-seeded Atlanta Dream secured an 80-69 win over the visiting second-seeded Golden State Valkyries on Thursday afternoon. The league expanded the championship series from five games prior to the 2025 season, and the revamped format has now delivered a decisive final showdown with a first-time champion guaranteed to emerge.
Playing before a packed crowd at State Farm Arena during an unusual matinee start time adjusted to accommodate an Atlanta Hawks fixture, the hosts dominated early and never trailed after the opening minute. Allisha Gray led the charge with 23 points, converting five 3-pointers despite dealing with a hand injury throughout the postseason. Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points, while Angel Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Jordin Canada added 10 points to support the offensive effort.
Atlanta Dream force a decisive Game 7 in the WNBA Finals with an 80-69 victory.
Atlanta capitalized on a strong shooting performance, sinking 13 shots from beyond the arc and restricting Golden State to just 26 points in the first half. After an early 6-5 scoreline, the Dream strung together 13 unanswered points and closed the opening quarter with a 32-15 lead, aided by six 3-pointers from eight attempts. The advantage stretched to 25 points before halftime.
For the Valkyries, who are competing in only their second season in the league, Gabby Williams scored a team-high 26 points and Tiffany Hayes chipped in 15. Golden State struggled from long range, hitting only seven of 27 attempts from deep. Despite a second-half push that trimmed the deficit down to eight points in the final quarter, Gray answered with her fifth 3-pointer of the match to cement the outcome.
Head coaches and players turned their focus quickly to the upcoming finale. Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko and his squad will travel to San Francisco for the final match at Chase Center on Saturday night, seeking to complete their championship run in the ultimate showdown.