The Atlanta Dream denied the Golden State Valkyries their first WNBA title, winning 80-69 on Sunday to force a seventh and deciding game. The Dream had never won a Finals game before, having lost all 10 of their previous Finals matches, including 3-0 series defeats in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
The Valkyries led the series 3-2 heading into the game in Atlanta, but they started slowly and trailed 32-15 after the first quarter. That deficit proved pivotal. The hosts kept a healthy cushion throughout and led 46-26 at half-time.
Gabby Williams and Angel Reese Lead the Way
Even though she was not at her best, Gabby Williams was the game’s top scorer with 26 points for the Valkyries. Angel Reese led the rebounding with 14.
Reese, in her first season with the Dream after being traded from the Chicago Sky, was kept quiet in Game Five by Kiah Stokes, but Stokes could not repeat that defensive effort. The 24-year-old followed up her Game Two performance, which made her the youngest player, and only the third overall, to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals series.
Series Heads to Game 7
The Valkyries, coached by Karl Smesko, had no room for error and delivered a strong performance to keep a thrilling series alive. The first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history will be played in Golden State at 01:00 GMT on Sunday.
“Every time we threw the first punch we won the game. We set the tone early,” Reese said after the game. “We needed an opportunity and that’s all we needed. We maximised it today. Just really proud of this group. The job is not done. I’m looking forward to it. One more [game to go].”
Venue Change for Game Six
Game Six was originally scheduled for 20:00 local time at the Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500. The game was moved to State Farm Arena and brought forward to 12:30 local time amid concerns over a scheduling clash with the Atlanta Hawks.
“Our concerns did not receive the attention nor the urgency that they deserved. We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for its team,” the Dream said in an open letter.
State Farm Arena, which has a capacity of 16,888, was sold out for the game. “We didn’t have everyone come out at 12:30 for nothing. We appreciate the fans’ support, on a week day, they came out and supported us,” Reese added.