Dream forces Game 7 in historic WNBA Finals showdown

Dream Forces Game 7 After 80-69 Rout

The Dream turned a 12:30 lunchtime showdown into an 80-69 rout, sending the WNBA Finals to its first ever Game 7. Atlanta built a 32-15 lead after the opening quarter and stretched it to a 46-26 halftime advantage. The team shot 73.3% overall, nailed six threes and poured in 32 points in that first period. Allisha Gray led with 23 points on five triples. Rhyne Howard added 21 and Angel Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Gabby Williams was the Valkyries' top scorer with 26 points, but she managed only four before halftime. Golden State shot just 31.4% from the field and 25.9% from three. The game moved from a 20:00 slot to a 12:30 tip-off, filling State Farm Arena's sold-out crowd. Reports list the attendance as either 16,888 or 17,099 fans. With the series tied 3-3, the decisive Game 7 will be played Saturday night at San Francisco's Chase Center on Halloween. Reese summed it up: "We needed the opportunity and we maximized it-one more win and it's ours."