10/29/2026 02:01:00
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10/29 13:59 CDT Gray scores 23 points to help hot-shooting Dream beat Valkyries
80-69 to force Game 7 of WNBA Finals
Gray scores 23 points to help hot-shooting Dream beat Valkyries 80-69 to force
Game 7 of WNBA Finals
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- Allisha Gray scored 23 points and Rhyne Howard had 21 as the
hot-shooting Atlanta Dream held off Golden State's late rally to take an 80-69
victory over the Valkyries in Game 6 on Thursday to pull even in the WNBA
Finals.
The decisive Game 7 will be played at Golden State on Saturday night as each
team seeks its first WNBA championship.
After having their lowest scoring games of the Finals in losses in Games 4 and
5, the Dream enjoyed an offensive awakening when faced with the must-win
mandate.
On Wednesday, the Dream announced a sellout for Game 6 despite the
much-criticized 12:30 p.m. EDT tipoff. There were only scattered empty seats in
the upper level despite concerns about work and school obligations hurting the
turnout.
Angel Reese recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds for
Atlanta. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points. Tiffany Hayes added
15.
Atlanta's biggest lead was 25 points. The Valkyries stormed back in the final
minutes, pulling to 77-66 on Laeticia Amihere's two free throws with 1:57
remaining.
After being held to 22 points in the first half of their 65-55 loss in Game 5,
the Dream matched that total in the first 6:30 of the opening quarter.
Much of the production came on 3s. Atlanta made 6 of 8 3s and 11 of 15 shots
overall while racing to a 32-15 lead in the first quarter.
After leading 6-5, the Dream pulled away with 13 unanswered points in a run
that included two 3s from Jordin Canada.
Reese joined the 3-point party with a shot from the corner in the second
period. Entering the game, the Dream were 15-0 when Reese had at least one 3.
While Atlanta's sharp shooting continued for a 46-26 halftime lead, the
Valkyries struggled. Golden State made only 9 of 34 shots in the half, often
struggling to create open opportunities because of the Dream's smothering
defense.
Howard opened the second half with another 3-pointer. Valkyries guard Veronica
Burton was called for a flagrant foul later midway through the third period
when an officials' review determined she made an unnecessary windup and contact
on Howard's face as Howard was driving for a basket.
Kaila Charles closed the third quarter with a 3-pointer for Golden State that
trimmed Atlanta's lead to 16 points at 63-47. It was the smallest lead for the
Dream since the 13-0 run in the opening period.
Golden State pulled to within 13 points at 68-55 before Gray and Reese sank 3s
to push the lead to 74-55. Williams' three-point play cut the led to 77-69
before Gray sank a crucial 3-pointer for Atlanta.
Hayes was called for her fifth foul in a collision for a loose ball with 5:01
remaining. Hayes left the court slowly after receiving attention from a trainer.
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