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. The Dream had never won a Finals game before, holding a record of zero wins and 10 defeats, including 3-0 series sweeps 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, as the hosts kept a healthy lead throughout and led 46-26 at half-time.
Williams and Reese shine
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 charts with 14.
Kiah Stokes kept Reese quiet in Game Five, but she could not repeat that performance. Reese, in her first season with the Dream after being traded from the Chicago Sky, delivered another standout display at 24 years old. Her Game Two performance had already made her the youngest player, and only the third overall, to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals series.
The Valkyries, coached by Karl Smesko, had no room for error and produced a superb performance to keep what has been a thrilling series alive.
Game Seven set for Golden State
The first Game Seven 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 change for Game Six
Game Six was originally scheduled for 20:00 local time at Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500. The game 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.