Nakase and Valkyries Are Determined to Avoid Another Slow Start in WNBA Finals Game 7 Against Dream
The Dream shot 73.3% in the first quarter and forced a winner-take-all Game 7 as both teams chase their first WNBA title.
- Atlanta Dream forced a decisive Game 7 in the WNBA Finals after defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at State Farm Arena, setting up a championship finale in San Francisco on Saturday night.
- Golden State coach Natalie Nakase expressed frustration over her team's defensive start, as the Dream shot 73.3% in the first quarter to build a commanding 32-15 lead that proved decisive.
- Allisha Gray led the Dream with 23 points and Rhyne Howard added 21, while Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds in front of 17,099 fans at the arena.
- Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said, "Can't let that happen right out of the gate," while Angel Reese predicted Game 7 at Ballhalla in San Francisco would be "a lot louder."
- Both franchises pursue their first WNBA title; the Dream previously lost in the Finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013, while the Valkyries reached this year's Finals in only their second season of existence.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Valkyries And Dream Play For First Franchise Title In First Game 7 In WNBA Finals History
The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will not only compete for a chance at each franchise’s first WNBA Championship but will do so during the first ever game 7 of the WNBA Finals in league history.
Fort Smith/Fayetteville News
Valkyries determined to avoid another slow start in WNBA Finals Game 7 against Dream
There shouldn't be a problem with the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream approaching the first WNBA Finals Game 7 in league history with a sense of urgency.
Valkyries determined to avoid another slow start in Game 7 of WNBA Finals
The Atlanta Dream made 73.3 per cent of their shots in the first quarter of Game 6 Thursday and raced to a 32-15 lead. They kept the lead in double figures for most of the remainder of the WNBA Finals contest in an eventual 80-69 win. “There needs to be a sense of urgency [in Game 7]," says Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton.
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