TLANTA — The Atlanta Dream refused to let their season end Thursday, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals to force a winner-take-all Game 7.
With their championship hopes on the line, the Dream delivered their best offensive performance in several games, leaning on Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese to even the series at 3-3. Atlanta’s victory also sets up the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. https://www.wnba.com/news/2026-finals-valkyries-dream-game-6-recap
Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard Lead Atlanta’s Response
Gray led Atlanta with 23 points, six rebounds and five three-pointers, while Howard added 21 points and four assists. The duo combined for nine three-pointers to help Atlanta rediscover its offensive rhythm after struggling in Games 4 and 5.
Reese recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, also contributing six assists as the Dream received production from their leading players when it mattered most. Jordin Canada added 10 points.
Atlanta finished 13-of-30 from three-point range and shot 43.5% from the field, making 27 of 62 attempts. The Dream also recorded 19 assists, showcasing the ball movement that had been missing during their previous two losses. https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/gametracker/recap/WNBA_20261029_GS%40ATL/
Dream Deliver a Statement First Quarter
Atlanta wasted little time establishing control, opening the game with a 32-15 first quarter. The Dream knocked down six three-pointers in the period and used a 13-0 run to create separation.
The offensive surge helped Atlanta build a 46-26 halftime advantage. Golden State struggled to find its shooting touch, making only nine of 34 field-goal attempts in the first half.
The Valkyries, however, refused to go quietly.
Led by Gabby Williams, Golden State gradually chipped away at the deficit in the second half. Williams finished with a game-high 26 points, while Tiffany Hayes contributed 15 against her former team.
The Valkyries cut Atlanta’s lead to eight points in the closing minutes, putting pressure on the Dream to finish the job.
Gray answered with a crucial three-pointer after Golden State had threatened to turn the game around, helping Atlanta preserve the victory and extend its season.
Angel Reese Delivers When Atlanta Needs Her
Reese’s performance was another important part of Atlanta’s response. Her 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists provided a significant contribution on a day when the Dream needed their stars to deliver.
After Atlanta dropped consecutive games and faced elimination, Reese and her teammates responded with renewed energy on both ends of the floor.
The Dream also held Golden State to 31.4% shooting from the field and forced the Valkyries to work for nearly every scoring opportunity. Golden State finished 7-of-27 from beyond the arc.
WNBA Finals Game 7: Everything on the Line
The championship will now be decided Saturday, October 31, at Chase Center in San Francisco. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on USA Network, CNBC and Peacock.
Both franchises are pursuing their first WNBA championship. The Valkyries will have home-court advantage, but Atlanta has shown it can respond under pressure.
After Thursday’s performance, the Dream have earned another opportunity to make history. Golden State will look to regroup after missing its chance to close out the series at State Farm Arena.
One game. One championship. No second chances.
