Atlanta Dream Rout Golden State Valkyries 80-69 to Force Historic WNBA Finals Game 7

The Atlanta Dream forced a decisive seventh game in the WNBA finals by defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday afternoon, leveling the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and setting up the first Game 7 in league history.

Faced with elimination during an unusual lunchtime tipoff at State Farm Arena, the Dream responded with an explosive opening quarter. Atlanta shot 73.3% from the floor and built a lead that ballooned to 25 points before halftime, successfully bouncing back from consecutive losses in Games 4 and 5.

Standout Performances and Team Statistics

• Atlanta Dream: Allisha Gray led the team with 23 points, including five three-pointers, while Rhyne Howard contributed 21 points. Angel Reese recorded her fourth double-double of the series with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists.
• Golden State Valkyries: Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points after being limited to four in the first half. Tiffany Hayes added 15 points, but the Valkyries struggled overall, shooting just 31.4% from the field and 25.9% from beyond the arc.

Road to the Historic Decider

Following a players-only meeting and film session prior to the matchup, Atlanta rediscovered the offensive fluidity that had slipped away in previous games. Although Golden State trimmed the deficit to single digits late in the fourth quarter, late three-pointers from Gray and Reese secured the victory in front of a reported sellout crowd of 17,099.

Both teams are seeking their first WNBA championship. The winner-take-all Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday night at San Francisco’s Chase Center, airing on NBC, USA Network, and streaming on Peacock in the US. Fans can verify broadcast details and schedules through official WNBA announcements.