The Golden State Valkyries entered Thursday’s WNBA Finals Game 6 needing one victory to secure the first championship in franchise history. Instead, the Atlanta Dream gave them a difficult afternoon, opening a commanding lead before a loud home crowd at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta led 32 to 15 after the first quarter and 46 to 26 at halftime on October 29. The Dream remained in front late in the third quarter, putting Golden State’s title celebration in doubt and keeping alive the possibility of a deciding Game 7.
At the latest available update, Atlanta led 62 to 44 with seconds remaining in the third quarter. October 29, 2026+1
Atlanta Dream Make Their Intentions Clear
The Dream wasted little time showing how urgently they wanted to extend the series. Strong perimeter shooting, quick passing and aggressive movement helped Atlanta seize control in the opening minutes.
Allisha Gray provided an early spark, while Rhyne Howard repeatedly punished defensive mistakes from beyond the arc. Atlanta connected on six of its first eight three point attempts and shot 11 of 15 from the field in the opening quarter.
Golden State struggled to respond. The Valkyries made only five field goals in the first period and found themselves chasing a 17 point deficit before they could establish their usual defensive rhythm.
The problems continued during the second quarter as Atlanta stretched its advantage beyond 20 points. Angel Reese contributed with her scoring, passing and work around the basket, giving the Dream several ways to attack.
Tiffany Hayes offered Golden State some resistance, but the team’s shooting difficulties limited any sustained comeback. By halftime, Atlanta had a comfortable advantage and the momentum. The Guardian+1
Valkyries Face Their Toughest Championship Test
The Valkyries arrived in Atlanta with a 3 to 2 series lead after winning consecutive games. Their 67 to 62 victory in Game 4 was followed by a 64 to 55 win in Game 5, a defensive performance that left Atlanta searching for answers.
Kiah Stokes was especially influential in the fifth game, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Veronica Burton also scored 13 points and collected eight rebounds as Golden State moved within a victory of the title. WNBA+1
Game 6 presented a very different challenge. Atlanta’s improved shooting created opportunities that were largely missing earlier in the series, while the Valkyries had difficulty finding clean looks.
Coach Natalie Nakase’s team needed better execution on both ends of the court to close the gap. The Dream, meanwhile, had to avoid relaxing with a substantial lead against a Golden State side that had already shown its ability to grind out close wins.
Unusual Start Time Adds to Finals Drama
Thursday’s game began at 12:30 p.m. Eastern, much earlier than the original evening schedule. The WNBA moved the matchup to accommodate an Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena later that night.
The change meant a 9:30 a.m. start for viewers in California, making this championship opportunity an unusual morning event for the Valkyries’ supporters. WNBA+1
Golden State began WNBA play in 2025 and reached the Finals in only its second season. That rapid rise has made its championship pursuit one of the most striking stories of the year.
Atlanta, however, still had a chance to take the series back to California. A Dream victory would force Game 7 on Saturday, October 31, with the championship decided on Golden State’s home floor.
Whatever the eventual outcome, Atlanta’s opening surge ensured the Valkyries would have to fight for every remaining possession.