Facing a 3-2 deficit in the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream are looking to rekindle the confidence and swagger that defined their season. After narrowly losing Game 1 despite a 30-minute lead, Atlanta won Games 2 and 3 by a combined 40 points. However, Games 4 and 5 turned into a slog, benefiting the Golden State Valkyries, who need just one more victory to clinch the championship.
The Dream struggled offensively, scoring just 62 and 55 points in the past two games with 35 combined turnovers. Guard Rhyne Howard emphasized the need to start strong and feed off the home crowd at State Farm Arena. Star Angel Reese, limited to single digits in the last two losses, stressed the team is in a great mind space after "uncomfortable conversations." She is itching to return, stating she wants to be "so damn tired" after giving everything on the court.
Forward De Wanna Bonner, a two-time champion, believes the team can flip the script, noting they previously had the Valkyries against the wall after Game 3 and responded. Atlanta would need to win two straight to secure the franchise's first championship, with Game 6 serving as a chance to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in San Francisco on Halloween.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing