The Dream and Valkyries have stretched the WNBA season to its limit, with Game 7 of the Finals set for Saturday night at Chase Center. Golden State hosts Atlanta at 8 p.m. ET, with the series tied 3-3. This will be the first Game 7 in league Finals history under the best-of-seven format adopted last season.
Atlanta, the No. 4 seed, took Game 6 80-69 on Thursday at State Farm Arena. The Dream have been swept in three previous Finals appearances and want to bring the trophy home. Golden State, the No. 2 seed, has turned Ballhalla into a legendary venue in just its second season and hopes to celebrate in front of its fans. Both franchises are seeking their first championship.
Golden State coach Natalie Nakase called her team's tough start to Game 6 "unacceptable," but guard Veronica Burton focused on the positive, noting the Valkyries rallied from 25 points down to within eight. The team has held honest conversations after losses and has been encouraged to speak up when the game plan isn't working. Nakase has praised the team's composure, which will be key in Game 7.
Atlanta has been most successful when its offense scores above 70 points. In three games, Golden State's defense has held the Dream to fewer than 70, and in three others Atlanta has passed that mark. Since Atlanta had lost back-to-back games only once this season, a three-game playoff slide was never likely. The outcome may hinge on which side controls the scoring line in the series' deciding game.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing