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Nakase and Valkyries are determined to avoid another slow start in WNBA Finals Game 7 against Dream
National
AP

Nakase and Valkyries are determined to avoid another slow start in WNBA Finals Game 7 against Dream

  • By CHARLES ODUM - AP Sports Writer

There should be no problem with the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream approaching the first WNBA Finals Game 7 in league history with a sense of urgency. Then again, that’s what Golden State coach Natalie Nakase thought about Game 6. She was baffled that her team somehow left behind its defensive intensity at the start of Thursday’s 80-69 loss to the Dream that forced Game 7 at “Ballhalla” in San Francisco on Saturday night. Nakase was still struggling to comprehend the lackadaisical start so she could make sure it’s not repeated in Saturday night’s decisive game.

Angel Reese responded from two poor performances to help Atlanta force a Game 7 in the WNBA Finals
National
AP

Angel Reese responded from two poor performances to help Atlanta force a Game 7 in the WNBA Finals

  • By ALAN COLE - Associated Press

Angel Reese returned to form with the Atlanta Dream following back-to-back poor performances in Games 4 and 5 of the WNBA Finals. Reese scored 15 points, pulled down 14 rebounds and had six assists as Atlanta beat Golden States 80-69 to force the first Game 7 in league history. Reese broke the WNBA's all-time record for total rebounds in a Finals series and now has 78 through the first six games. Reese is averaging 22 points, 14 rebounds and four assists per game in Atlanta's wins. The Dream are one victory away from their first WNBA championship.

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Jordin Canada walks of the court after the Dream won Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Rhyne Howard, top, and Golden State Valkyries' Tiffany Hayes battle for the ball during the second half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese (5) goes up to shoot against Golden State Valkyries' Kiah Stokes during the second half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese reacts after scoring a three-pointer during the second half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese reacts during the second half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese reacts after the Dream won Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase speaks with Veronica Burton during the first half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

WNBA Finals Basketball
National
AP

WNBA Finals Basketball

  • Brynn Anderson - AP
  • Updated

Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese reacts during the first half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)