The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday afternoon at State Farm Arena, forcing the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. The elimination game, played at 12:30 p.m. ET due to scheduling conflicts, drew a sold-out crowd that energized the Dream from the opening tip.
Dream's offensive explosion
After shooting below 35% for much of the series, Atlanta erupted for 73.3% from the field and 75% from three-point range in the first quarter. Allisha Gray, playing with only eight healthy fingers after a hand injury, led the team with 23 points, including a crucial early three-pointer that gave the Dream their first lead. Naz Hillmon added a momentum-shifting three, and Rhyne Howard contributed an emphatic block. The Dream built a 25-point halftime lead.
Crowd energy and veteran leadership
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner had predicted the team would rediscover its confidence, and the crowd responded with deafening support. Angel Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, praising the fans for attending a weekday matinee. Halftime performer T-Pain reinforced the mood with his hit "All we do is win."
Valkyries' rally falls short
Golden State, seeking its first title in just its second season, outscored Atlanta in the second half and trimmed the deficit to nine points with just over a minute remaining. A final three-pointer by Gray, this time all net, sealed the victory. As the buzzer sounded at 2:50 p.m., "ATL HOE" chants echoed through the arena.
Game 7 on Halloween
The decisive Game 7 will take place Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Dream, still chasing the franchise's first WNBA championship, acknowledge the work ahead. "Job's not done," Reese said. "We definitely have another level that we can get to."
