Dream win to set up WNBA Finals decider

Published2 hours ago

Atlanta Dream denied the Golden State Valkyries their first WNBA title after an 80-69 win forced the series into a seventh and deciding game on Sunday.

The Valkyries, who led 3-2 heading into the game in Atlanta, got off to a slow start, trailing 32-15 at the end of the first quarter.

That proved pivotal as the hosts maintained a healthy buffer throughout the game, leading 46-26 at half-time.

Despite not being at her best, Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams was the game's top scorer with 26 points, while Angel Reese led the rebounding charts with 14.

Kiah Stokes kept Reese, who is in her first season with the Dream after being traded from the Chicago Sky, quiet in Game Five, but was unable to replicate that performance.

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.

It was a superb performance from Karl Smesko's side, who had no room for error as they kept what has been a thrilling series alive.

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," Dream's 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]."

Game Six of the series was originally scheduled for 20:00 local time at Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500, but 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.

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