Dream defeat Valkyries 80-69 to force Game 7 of WNBA Finals

Atlanta kept its championship hopes alive on Thursday, overcoming a controversial early tip-off to post an 80-69 win over the Golden State Valkyries. The Dream shot 6 of 8 from beyond the arc in the opening quarter, establishing a 17-point lead that grew to as many as 25 points in the second quarter. They finished the game with 13 three-pointers, holding off a late rally by the Valkyries, who were led by Gabby Williams.

The Valkyries, coached by Natalie Nakase, will host the winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The final will begin at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network and CNBC, with a streaming option on Peacock.

"We stayed focused and executed our game plan," said Dream head coach Karl Smesko.

"We respect the Valkyries and know the next game will be a battle," added Valkyries spokesperson.

The series, now tied 3-3, will determine the league's first-time champion.