Atlanta Dream Force Deciding WNBA Final After 80-69 Win

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Wednesday, tying the WNBA Finals 3-3 and forcing a deciding Game 7. The win came at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where a sold-out crowd watched the home team take control early in the fourth quarter of the series.

The Dream scored 30 points in the first quarter, a stark contrast to their performance in the first half of Game 5. They shot 43.3% from beyond the arc, while Golden State made only seven of 27 three-point attempts. This shooting advantage allowed Atlanta to build a 25-point lead in the second half.

Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray each scored 21 points, providing the offensive consistency they had lacked in previous games. Angel Reese contributed 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists. Her performance extended the team's winning streak when she records at least one three-pointer. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points, but her efforts were not enough to close the gap.

Despite having more turnovers and fewer fast-break points than Golden State, the Dream's defense limited the visitors to 31.4% shooting for the game. Atlanta blocked eight shots compared to two for Golden State. Reese credited the team's early aggression for setting the tone throughout the contest.

"Every time we threw the first punch, we won the game," Reese said. "So just being able to set the tone early, I mean we ain't have everybody come out at 12:30 for no reason." She also praised the weekday crowd, noting that the fans supported the team every single game.

The series returns to the Chase Center in San Francisco for Game 7. The venue, known as Ballhalla during Valkyries games, has served as their sixth player in the Finals. Golden State guard Veronica Burton said the team feels good but recognizes the challenge ahead. "It's going to be a dogfight. Both teams want it, so the mindset is a sense of urgency," Burton said.

The Dream have reached the WNBA Finals three times without a title. This is the Valkyries' second season in the league. Both teams enter the final game with a sense of urgency, knowing the winner will take the championship.