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6d ago

Atlanta Forces First WNBA Finals Game 7 With 80-69 Game 6 Win

The midday rescheduling to accommodate an Atlanta Hawks game highlights venue conflicts that could shape how the league stages future marquee WNBA matchups.

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Valkyries fans cheer “Let’s go, Valkyries” before the fourth quarter during a viewing party for Game 6 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream, at Thrive City outside Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.
Valkyries fans watch Game 6 at Rikki’s in the Castro in San Francisco, on Oct. 29, 2026.
Valkyries fans line up before 9 a.m. to watch Game 6 at Rikki’s in the Castro in San Francisco, on Oct. 29, 2026.

Overview

  • The Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday, Oct. 29, at State Farm Arena to tie the series 3-3 and send the Finals to a winner-take-all Game 7 at Chase Center on Saturday.
  • Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 23 points, Rhyne Howard added 21, and Angel Reese posted 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as the Dream opened with a 13-0 run and a 46-26 halftime lead.
  • The league moved Game 6 into a 12:30 p.m. ET start at State Farm to free the arena for an Atlanta Hawks NBA game that night, a decision that drew sharp criticism from commentators and fans over access, ceremony logistics and perceived ownership priorities.
  • Golden State players and coaches offered competing takes after the loss: guard Gabby Williams cited travel fatigue and the series’ physicality, while coach Natalie Nakase rejected scheduling as an excuse and said the team’s slow start was unacceptable.
  • Game 7 returns to San Francisco where historical Finals data favors the home team; the outcome will hinge on which side can sustain defensive pressure, handle the travel toll and execute under a winner-take-all spotlight.