Atlanta Dream Defeat Valkyries 80–69 to Force Historic WNBA Finals Game 7
October 29, 2026
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream kept their championship hopes alive Thursday, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80–69 at State Farm Arena to force the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. The victory tied the best-of-seven series at 3–3 and sent the championship race back to San Francisco.
Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 23 points, while Rhyne Howard added 21. Angel Reese delivered 15 points and 14 rebounds, giving the Dream three reliable scoring options in a game they had to win.
Atlanta hit six first-quarter three-pointers and led 32–15 after one. By halftime, the Dream’s advantage was 46–26.
The offensive response came at a critical moment. After struggling to score in consecutive Finals losses, Atlanta finished Thursday shooting 44% from the field and 43% from three-point range. The Dream built a cushion that survived Golden State’s second-half push.
Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points for the Valkyries, and Tiffany Hayes added 15. Golden State mounted a late rally, but Atlanta held on to deny the visitors a championship-clinching victory.
A sold-out crowd filled State Farm Arena despite the unusual 12:30 p.m. Eastern tipoff. The Atlanta Hawks moved their Thursday game to a later start to accommodate the Finals.
Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at Chase Center in San Francisco, with tipoff at 8 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Central. Both franchises will be seeking their first WNBA championship.
Sources and full links
- WSB-TV — Final score and historic Game 7:
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta-dream-force-first-game-7-wnba-finals-history/I6SQ4SUYE5GYRKRF4CGUJG7PMM/ - Atlanta News First — Scoring leaders and venue details:
https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/10/29/atlanta-dream-stave-off-elimination-beat-golden-state-force-deciding-game-7/ - Associated Press, via Los Angeles Times — Game recap:
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-10-29/wnba-finals-game-6-recap-golden-state-valkyries-atlanta-dream - The Guardian — Game coverage:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/oct/29/golden-state-valkyries-v-atlanta-dream-wnba-finals-2026-game-6-live-buildup - WNBA — Official Game 7 schedule:
https://www.wnba.com/game/atl-vs-gsv-1042600307