WNBA Finals: Dream and Valkyries set for Game 7 in San Francisco

The 2026 WNBA Finals will conclude with a seventh game for the first time in league history. The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Friday to tie the series 3-3. The decisive contest is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in San Francisco.

The Dream controlled the pace early, outscoring the Valkyries 32-0 in the first quarter. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard combined for 44 points in the win. Angel Reese recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds. Golden State struggled from long range, shooting 26% from three-point land and 31% from the field overall.

The Valkyries enter the final game with a strong home record. Golden State lost only five games during the regular season and one game in the playoffs. That single postseason loss occurred in Game 2 of this Finals series. Neither franchise has won a WNBA championship. A victory for Golden State would make them the fastest expansion team to claim the title.

The series has featured close contests. Golden State has won all of its games by fewer than 10 points. Atlanta has won all of its games by double-digit margins. The Dream secured home-court advantage by winning Game 2 on the road. Golden State regained control with a 67-62 victory in Game 4.

Defensive metrics distinguish the two teams. The Valkyries allowed 75.1 points per game during the regular season, which was 7.6 points better than the Washington Mystics. Golden State ranked first in the league in opponent field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and assists. Atlanta ranked first in forcing turnovers. The Dream ranked second in rebounds allowed per game, aided by Reese, the current WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Gabby Williams is averaging 17.8 points per game in the Finals. She scored 26 points in Game 6 on 8-for-22 shooting. Tiffany Hayes contributed 15 points. Golden State needs improved performances from Veronica Burton, who shot 2-for-13, and Cecilia Zandalasini, who shot 3-for-12, to compete effectively on Saturday.

The Dream elevated their status with a pre-season trade for Reese. She is averaging a career-high 16.4 points per game while maintaining her rebounding and shooting efficiency. The Dream have not lost a postseason game when Reese makes a three-point shot. Gray and Howard remain the primary scoring options for Atlanta, but Reese has provided the statistical edge in recent contests.

DraftKings lists the Valkyries as 1.5-point favorites. The total points line is set at 143.5. The money line favors the Valkyries at -112, while the Dream are listed at -108. Betting analysts suggest the Dream money line offers value because Atlanta has momentum from the Game 6 win and has demonstrated the ability to survive low-scoring defensive battles on the road.

Williams is the primary offensive option for Golden State. She is averaging 20.3 points per game in the playoffs. Reese is expected to post a double-digit rebounding total again. She has recorded at least 12 rebounds in five of the six games in this series. Her point total typically ranges between 14 and 16, though she scored 30 points in Game 2.