Atlanta Dream forces first WNBA Finals Game 7 with 3-point surge
The Dream erased a 0-2 series deficit by hitting 13 three-pointers in Game 6, tying the series 3-3 and setting up a decisive Game 7 against the Golden State Valkyries.
Atlanta rallied in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, converting 13 three-pointers to defeat the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 and force the series to a historic Game 7. The Dream opened the game with a 6-of-8 three-point shooting stretch, highlighted by Allisha Gray's opening bucket and a total of five triples for the night, finishing with 23 points on 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
The early barrage helped Atlanta build a 17-point lead after the first quarter, after scoring only 62 and 55 points in the two preceding losses. Gabby Williams contributed a 22-point second half for the Valkyries, but Gray's fifth three-pointer restored a double-digit advantage for the Dream.
Rhyne Howard added 21 points, going 4-of-6 from three, while Angel Reese recorded her fourth double-double of the series with 15 points and 14 rebounds, despite shooting 5-of-18 overall. Valkyries forward Williams led her team with 26 points, narrowing the gap to eight points in the final minutes.
The game, played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, began shortly after its scheduled 12:30 p.m. ET tip-off due to scheduling constraints with an NBA game later that night. Dream ownership previously voiced concerns about such conflicts, stating the issues "did not receive the attention, nor the urgency that they deserved."
Both franchises now have a chance to claim their first league championship in the upcoming Game 7, set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at the Chase Center in San Francisco.