Overview
- Game 1 of the best-of-seven Finals tips off Saturday, Oct. 17, in San Francisco with Golden State holding home-court advantage.
- Golden State enters with the league’s best regular-season defensive rating while Atlanta has been the top defensive team in the playoffs.
- Angel Reese, the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year who led the league in rebounds and set single-season rebounding marks, anchors Atlanta’s physical defense.
- Key X-factors include Gabby Williams, who has emerged as Golden State’s primary playoff scorer, and Jordin Canada’s pace-setting play for the Dream, with veteran DeWanna Bonner added late in August to bolster Atlanta’s depth.
- State Farm Arena was confirmed for Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta and Allisha Gray’s availability is uncertain after a recent hand procedure, making matchup adjustments and clean defensive execution crucial for both teams and their fans.