Atlanta Dream Beat Golden State Valkyries 80-69 to Force First Game 7 in WNBA Finals History

The Guardian Sport · 2026-10-29
Atlanta Dream Beat Golden State Valkyries 80-69 to Force First Game 7 in WNBA Finals History

The Atlanta Dream avoided elimination with an 80-69 win over the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday afternoon, tying the best-of-seven WNBA Finals at 3-3 and setting up the first Game 7 in league history. The Dream, playing at a lunchtime tipoff, rediscovered their offense to stave off a championship celebration for the Valkyries. The series now heads to a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night, with Atlanta riding momentum after a dominant performance. Golden State, which had a chance to clinch the title on its home floor, will need to regroup quickly to avoid becoming the first team to lose a Finals after leading 3-2. The winner will claim the WNBA championship, with the Dream seeking their first title and the Valkyries aiming for a breakthrough in their inaugural season. The historic Game 7 will be a landmark moment for the league, drawing heightened attention to women's basketball.