Dream Force Game 7 in WNBA Finals Against Valkyries

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream extended the WNBA Finals to a decisive Game 7 by defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 on Thursday. The win ensures the league's championship series will conclude in prime time on Saturday night, avoiding a potentially awkward situation with a mid-day celebration complicated by an NBA doubleheader.

Despite a third consecutive game of shooting struggles, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting, Reese contributed 14 rebounds and six assists for the Dream. However, her six turnovers underscored her offensive difficulties. The offensive load was shouldered by Allisha Gray, who scored 23 points, and Rhyne Howard, who added 21. The pair combined for nine of Atlanta's 13 successful three-pointers.

The scheduling of Game 6 had been a point of contention, moved to a 12:30 p.m. ET start to accommodate an Atlanta Hawks NBA game that evening. This early start meant Golden State fans watched the potential championship-clinching game beginning at 9:30 a.m. local time. Reports had suggested that a Valkyries championship celebration might have been relocated to a practice court to allow for the Hawks' preparations, a scenario the WNBA sought to avoid.

Atlanta established control early in Game 6, building a 32-15 lead in the first quarter with efficient three-point shooting. They extended their advantage to 25 points in the second quarter, leading 46-26 at halftime. Golden State narrowed the gap in the third quarter, but Atlanta maintained a comfortable lead, entering the fourth quarter up 63-47.

In the final period, Reese added five points, including a three-pointer while Atlanta held a double-digit lead. The Valkyries managed to cut the deficit to eight points with just over a minute remaining, but Gray responded with a crucial three-pointer, assisted by Reese, to seal the victory.

Gray shot 8-of-12 from the field and 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, while Howard made four of her six three-point attempts. Golden State's leading scorer, Gabby Williams, finished with 26 points but struggled from the field, shooting 8-of-22. The Valkyries as a team shot just 22-of-70. Kiah Stokes, a defensive force for Golden State throughout the series, was scoreless and did not record a block in Game 6.

The series now returns to San Francisco for Game 7 on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center. Both the Dream and the Valkyries are vying for their first championship in franchise history. Fans attending Game 6 faced challenges, with some reporting taking time off work and rearranging family schedules to attend the weekday afternoon game, with some blaming the league for the scheduling difficulties.