Dream Force Game 7 in WNBA Finals Thriller Against Valkyries

The Atlanta Dream have forced a decisive Game 7 in the WNBA Finals, securing an 80-69 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday afternoon. This marks the first-ever Game 7 in the WNBA Finals, with a first-time champion guaranteed to be crowned.

Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko expressed readiness for the winner-take-all matchup on Saturday night in San Francisco. "It’s such a great opportunity. I think our team is ready for it," Smesko stated. "We’ll take the next day to get as prepared as we can and make any adjustments that need to be made. … There’s a mentality right now of, ‘We’re happy we won, but we know the job is not done.’ We’ve got one more game. We expect to go out there and play great."

Allisha Gray, despite playing through a hand injury, was instrumental in Game 6, scoring 23 points with five three-pointers. The Dream collectively hit 13 three-pointers, while limiting the Valkyries to just 26 first-half points. Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points, and Angel Reese added a significant 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Atlanta maintained the lead from the game's opening minute.

Jordin Canada also chipped in 10 points for the Dream. The game's early start time was adjusted by the league to accommodate the Atlanta Hawks' home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the unusual matinee scheduling, a full house at State Farm Arena witnessed what is currently the biggest win in franchise history.

"First, shoutout to the crowd," Reese commented. "To be able to come here at 12:30 on a Thursday with so many things going on in the world from school to work, we’re just super thankful. We fed off their energy. They were super loud from the beginning."

For the Valkyries, Gabby Williams led the scoring with 26 points, and Tiffany Hayes added 15. Golden State, in only its second season, struggled from beyond the arc, making just seven of 27 three-point attempts.

"I want to go back and look at the film and find solutions on where my message wasn’t delivered correctly," said Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase. "I’ll give them some space right now to rest and recover, but then probably have some reflection moments on the plane ride home."

Atlanta established an early, commanding lead, going on a 13-0 run after the Valkyries briefly closed the gap to 6-5. The Dream extended their advantage to 25 points in the second quarter and held a 46-26 lead at halftime. Although the Valkyries outscored Atlanta in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 16, the Dream responded decisively in the fourth. Gray's fifth three-pointer in the closing moments sealed the pivotal victory for Atlanta.

Gray, a 10-year veteran, and her Dream teammates are now focused on securing their first championship at the Chase Center on Saturday. "We know when we play Atlanta Dream basketball and support each other and move the ball, we’re successful," Gray added. "The biggest thing for us is just executing our offence."