Atlanta Dream force first WNBA Finals Game 7 with dominant Game 6 win
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6, clinching the series at 3-3 and setting up the league's first-ever Game 7.
The Atlanta Dream rallied to an 80-69 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, forcing the series into a historic Game 7. The win came after the Dream trailed the series 3-2 and delivered a 25-point lead with three minutes left in the first half.
Atlanta exploded for 32 points in the opening quarter, the most ever recorded by either team in a Finals quarter, and maintained a strong shooting performance, finishing 43.3% from three-point range. Forward Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, marking her fourth double-double of the series.
"You could definitely tell we got our swagger back," Reese said after the game.
The Valkyries struggled to match the Dream's early intensity, with forward Gabby Williams calling the lack of defensive pressure "unacceptable." Golden State narrowed the gap late, cutting the lead to eight points, but a decisive three-pointer from Reese to Allisha Gray sealed the outcome.
"When we can punch first, we've won every single game," Reese added.
Golden State's coach Natalie Nakase acknowledged the team's early shortcomings.
"We just didn't do it," Nakase said of the Valkyries' defensive lapses.
The victory sets up the first WNBA Finals Game 7, scheduled for Halloween, with both teams preparing for the decisive contest.