Dream win 80-69 to force Game 7 at Golden State

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday to split the series and force a deciding Game 7.

Allisha Gray scored 23 points and Rhyne Howard added 21 as Atlanta overcame a late rally by the Valkyries. Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds in a double-double performance for the Dream. Gabby Williams led Golden State with 26 points, while Tiffany Hayes scored 15.

The Dream entered the game with a must-win mandate after suffering their two lowest scoring outputs of the postseason in losses during Games 4 and 5. They responded with an immediate offensive surge in the first quarter. Atlanta made six of eight three-point attempts and 11 of 15 total shots to build a 32-15 lead.

The momentum shift began after the score stood at 6-5. The Dream outscored Golden State 13-0 in a run that included two three-pointers from Jordin Canada. Reese extended the lead with a corner three in the second period. Entering the match, Atlanta had won all 15 games in which Reese made at least one three-pointer.

Golden State struggled to generate open looks against Atlanta's defense. The Valkyries shot 9 for 34 from the field in the first half, falling behind 26-46 at the break. Atlanta's largest lead of the game reached 25 points.

The Valkyries attempted a comeback in the final minutes of the third and fourth quarters. Kaila Charles hit a three-pointer to trim the deficit to 16 points with the score at 63-47. Golden State closed the gap further to 13 points at 68-55, but Gray and Reese answered with three-pointers to push the lead to 74-55.

Williams scored a three-point play to make it 77-69. Gray then hit a three-pointer to settle the outcome. With 1:57 left, Laeticia Amihere made two free throws to bring Golden State within 77-66. Tiffany Hayes left the game with 5:01 remaining after a collision for a loose ball resulted in her fifth personal foul. The series is now tied, and Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday night at Golden State.