ATLANTA, Ga. (Diya TV) — The Atlanta Dream kept their championship hopes alive with a strong offensive performance Thursday, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals. Allisha Gray scored 23 points, while Rhyne Howard added 21 to help Atlanta even the series at 3-3.
The victory sets up a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night in Golden State. Both teams will enter the final matchup seeking the first WNBA championship in their franchise histories.
After struggling offensively in back-to-back losses, Atlanta responded with improved shooting and strong defense. The Dream also built a significant early lead and held off a late Golden State comeback to secure the victory.
Atlanta needed a win to avoid elimination. The players delivered with an energetic performance that changed the momentum of the series.
The Dream wasted little time finding their rhythm. After trailing 6-5 early in the opening quarter, Atlanta took control with a 13-0 scoring run.
Jordin Canada helped spark the surge with two 3-pointers. Meanwhile, the Dream continued to find open shots and put pressure on Golden State’s defense.
Atlanta made six of its first eight attempts from beyond the 3-point line. The team also converted 11 of its first 15 overall shots.
That shooting accuracy helped the Dream build a 32-15 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
The strong start marked a major improvement from Game 5. Atlanta scored only 22 points in the first half of its 65-55 loss in that contest.
However, the Dream matched that entire first-half total within the first six and a half minutes of Thursday’s game.
Angel Reese also contributed to Atlanta’s outside shooting. She connected on a corner 3-pointer in the second quarter, adding another scoring option to the team’s offense.
The Dream entered Thursday’s matchup with a perfect 15-0 record in games when Reese made at least one 3-pointer.
Atlanta continued its strong performance throughout the first half. Gray and Howard led the scoring effort, while Reese provided support with her presence inside.
The Dream entered halftime with a commanding 46-26 lead.
Golden State struggled to create scoring opportunities against Atlanta’s defensive pressure. The Valkyries made just nine of 34 shots during the opening half.
The Dream’s defense limited open looks and forced Golden State to work harder for every basket.
Howard continued the momentum after halftime by opening the second half with another 3-pointer.
However, the third quarter also brought a controversial moment. Golden State guard Veronica Burton received a flagrant foul after officials reviewed her contact with Howard.
The review determined that Burton made an unnecessary windup and struck Howard in the face as she drove toward the basket.
Despite the setback, Golden State continued to fight. Kaila Charles hit a 3-pointer late in the third quarter to reduce Atlanta’s advantage to 63-47.
Although the Dream still held a comfortable lead, the Valkyries had started to find better scoring opportunities.
Golden State carried its momentum into the fourth quarter. The Valkyries cut the deficit to 68-55, bringing the gap down to 13 points.
However, Atlanta quickly responded. Gray and Reese each made a 3-pointer to extend the Dream’s advantage to 74-55.
Golden State refused to give up. Gabby Williams led the comeback effort with consistent scoring and helped the Valkyries close the gap.
Williams finished with a game-high 26 points. She also produced a three-point play that brought Golden State within 77-69.
Nevertheless, Gray delivered a crucial 3-pointer to stop the rally and restore Atlanta’s control.
The Dream also faced a setback when Tiffany Hayes picked up her fifth foul with 5:01 remaining. Hayes collided with another player while chasing a loose ball.
She received attention from a trainer before slowly leaving the court.
Despite losing Hayes for the remainder of the game, Atlanta maintained its advantage and closed out the 80-69 victory.
Gray and Howard provided the offensive spark Atlanta needed in the elimination game. Their combined 44 points helped the Dream recover from their recent scoring struggles.
Reese also delivered an important performance, recording a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Hayes added 15 points before leaving the game after her fifth foul.
For Golden State, Williams led the scoring with 26 points. However, the team’s poor shooting in the first half created a difficult challenge.
The Valkyries improved after the break but could not overcome Atlanta’s early advantage.
With the series tied 3-3, both teams now turn their attention to Saturday’s winner-take-all Game 7.
Golden State will host the deciding matchup, giving the Valkyries an opportunity to claim the championship on their home court.
Meanwhile, Atlanta will look to carry its improved shooting and defensive performance into the final game.
