The Atlanta Dream denied the Golden State Valkyries their first WNBA title with an 80-69 win on Sunday, forcing the series into a seventh and deciding game. Atlanta had never won a Finals game before, having lost all 10 of its 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 at the end of the first quarter. That deficit proved pivotal. The hosts kept a healthy buffer throughout the game and led 46-26 at half-time.
Key performances
Golden State’s Gabby Williams was the game’s top scorer with 26 points, even though she was not at her best. Angel Reese led the rebounding with 14.
Reese, who is in her first season with the Dream after being traded from the Chicago Sky, had been kept quiet by Kiah Stokes in Game Five. Stokes could not repeat that defensive effort in Game Six. The 24-year-old delivered another standout performance after her Game Two display made her the youngest player, and only the third overall, to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals series.
Karl Smesko’s Valkyries had no room for error, and they produced a superb performance to keep what has been a thrilling series alive.
Seventh game looms
The first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history will be played at 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. The organisers moved it to State Farm Arena and brought the start time 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.