Atlanta Dream Force Historic WNBA Finals Game Seven

UPDATE - follow-up to Golden State Valkyries v Atlanta Dream: WNBA finals 2026 Game 6 – live: The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the WNBA finals, staying alive and forcing the series to a decisive Game 7. A dominant 32-15 first-quarter performance set the tone for Atlanta, powered by an unstoppable duo in Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray.

Star Performers

Howard scored 21 points and Gray contributed 23, combining to shoot 9 for 13 from three-point range and 14 for 23 from the floor. Gabby Williams kept the Valkyries fighting with 26 total points, including 20 in the second half and the team's final ten points, but Golden State faced too deep of a hole after struggling early. Tiffany Hayes also added 15 points for the Valkyries on 6-of-10 shooting.

Securing the Win

Allisha Gray sealed the victory with a crucial three-pointer with 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Angel Reese added two threes and contributed five assists, while coach Karl Smesko kept his Atlanta team pushing the pace. Rapper T-Pain performed during the half-time show at State Farm Arena. The win forces a Game 7 for the first time in WNBA finals history.

Context

Game 7s are rare and dramatic finishes in professional basketball championship series where the entire season comes down to a single winner-take-all match. The WNBA finals feature the top two teams from the season battling in a best-of-seven series format to claim the championship trophy.