Seven-game playoff series are known for major momentum swings, and the 2026 WNBA Finals have been no exception. The Atlanta Dream appeared firmly in control after winning Games 2 and 3 to lead the series 2-1. However, the Golden State Valkyries have since seized momentum, winning Games 4 and 5 to take a 3-2 lead.
A Golden State victory in Game 6 on Thursday at Atlanta's State Farm Arena would give the Valkyries the WNBA title in just their second season. An Atlanta win would send the series back to Ballhalla for a winner-take-all Game 7 on Halloween in San Francisco.
ESPN's Kareem Copeland says turnovers have been the biggest predictor of success in these Finals. Golden State averaged 18 turnovers leading to 23 points for Atlanta in its Game 2 and 3 losses. In the Game 4 and 5 wins, the Valkyries averaged nine turnovers that led to seven points, while the Dream averaged 17.5 turnovers that gave Golden State 18.5 points.
ESPN's Michael Voepel notes that coach Natalie Nakase made key adjustments after Game 3, starting Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes and shortening her rotation to about seven players. The moves restored Golden State's defensive identity. Copeland also points to the need to keep pressuring Angel Reese, who was held to 2-for-12 shooting in Game 4 and 2-for-8 in Game 5 after averaging 25.5 points in Atlanta's two wins.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing