Dream Force Deciding Game 7 After 80-69 Win

The Atlanta Dream will travel to Golden State on Saturday night for a decisive Game 7 in the WNBA Finals after defeating the Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday. The victory levels the series at three wins apiece and keeps Atlanta’s bid for its first championship alive.

Allisha Gray scored 23 points and Rhyne Howard added 21 in a game defined by Atlanta’s improved perimeter shooting. Gray made five of her seven three-point attempts, while Howard converted on four of six long-range shots. The team hit six of its first eight three-pointers, building a 32-15 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The performance marked a sharp reversal from Games 4 and 5, where the Dream posted their lowest scoring totals of the series. Golden State held a 3-2 series lead entering Thursday, having won 67-62 and 64-55 in the previous two games. The Dream’s offense, which had stalled under defensive pressure, found rhythm immediately in the must-win scenario.

Angel Reese, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, credited the team’s resilience. “It’s been frustrating for all of us not being able to shoot great .. and open shots that we have been getting, not hitting them at the right time,” Reese said. She added that the team expected their shooting to improve and that the victory provided the necessary momentum for the final game.

Golden State struggled to find consistency against the Dream’s defensive adjustments. The Valkyries made only nine of their first 34 shots in the first half. Coach Natalie Nakase said her team failed to match the physicality and fight required for the finals. “We just did not do that,” Nakase said. The team’s early start, which included a 12-3 run, was a key factor in the loss.

The Dream’s lead reached 25 points during the game, though Golden State mounted a late rally. With 1:57 remaining, Laeticia Amihere’s free throws cut the deficit to 77-66. Gray answered with a three-pointer to stabilize the lead. The final margin was 11 points, a result that secured the home win despite the late pressure.

Gabby Williams led Golden State with 26 points, and Tiffany Hayes contributed 15. Hayes left the game with 5:01 remaining after picking up her fifth foul in a collision for a loose ball. She received attention from a trainer before walking off the court slowly.

The game was played before a sellout crowd at 12:30 p.m. EDT, a time slot that had drawn criticism for conflicting with work and school schedules. Dream coach Karl Smesko said the team returned to its preferred spacing and pace. “It’s how we are supposed to play,” Smesko said. The team’s ability to create open shots and execute with confidence defined the offensive shift.

The series now moves to Golden State for the final game. Both teams are seeking their first WNBA title. The Dream will look to replicate the shooting efficiency and defensive intensity that turned the tide in Atlanta.