The Atlanta Dream denied the Golden State Valkyries their first WNBA title, winning 80-69 to force a seventh and deciding game on Sunday. The Valkyries had led the series 3-2 heading into the game in Atlanta.
The Dream had never won a Finals game before. They had lost their previous 10 Finals matches, following 3-0 series defeats in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Golden State started slowly and trailed 32-15 at the end of the first quarter. That deficit proved pivotal, as the hosts kept a comfortable cushion throughout and led 46-26 at half-time.
Standout performers
Despite not being at her best, Golden State star Gabby Williams was the game’s top scorer with 26 points. Angel Reese led the rebounding with 14.
Reese, in her first season with the Dream after being traded from the Chicago Sky, had been kept quiet by Kiah Stokes in Game Five, but could not repeat that display. The 24-year-old produced another standout performance, following her Game Two showing that made her the youngest player, and only the third overall, to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals series.
A series still alive
It was a superb performance from Karl Smesko’s side, who had no room for error and kept what has been 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 row
Game Six was originally scheduled for 20:00 local time at Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500. It 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.