Atlanta Dream Force Historic WNBA Finals Game 7 With 80-69 Win
The Dream’s 5-0 playoff run continues as they erase Golden State’s two-game lead and secure a decisive seventh contest on the West Coast.
By Mei Wojcik ·
The 80-69 score in Game 6 stands as the final barrier between the Golden State Valkyries and their first championship. That margin erased the two-game lead the Valkyries had built in the series, forcing the best-of-seven contest to continue.
Golden State entered Thursday’s matchup in Atlanta needing a victory to clinch the title. Instead, the Dream secured a win on their home court to keep their season alive. The series now shifts back to the West Coast for a decisive final game.
The Dream established control early, building a double-digit lead that they maintained through the final buzzer. Allisha Gray led the scoring with 23 points. Rhyne Howard added 21 points. Angel Reese recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points. However, the team as a whole struggled to convert shots, finishing with a field goal percentage of just 31%. That offensive inefficiency proved decisive in the outcome.
Both teams arrived at this stage after completing semifinal sweeps. The Dream eliminated the New York Liberty in the semifinals. The Valkyries defeated the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces in their semifinal series. This is the second season in which the WNBA Finals have been played as a best-of-seven series.
The Dream have maintained a perfect 5-0 record in the playoffs. They defeated the Washington Mystics in the first round. The Valkyries advanced past the Dallas Wings in the first round, requiring all three games to secure the series win.
The 2026 season followed a labor dispute that resulted in a salary cap increase from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million in 2026. Several regular-season records fell during the year. Clark became the first player in WNBA history to record a 40-point, 10-assist game. Reese set the single-game rebounding record with 26 boards. Kelsey Mitchell surpassed A'ja Wilson’s single-season points total.
Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31. The game will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will air on USA and fubo.
Source: CBS Sports
