Dream vs. Valkyries live score, updates, highlights from Game 7 of WNBA Finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The WNBA Finals are headed to Game 7 for the first time. It took quite an effort from the Dream to make that happen.
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The Valkyries raced out to a 3-2 series lead off the back of strong defensive showings. They hoped to settle things for good in Game 6, only to be set back by a barrage of Atlanta triples at State Farm Center.
Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard caught fire on Thursday afternoon, combining for 44 points to propel the Dream to a decisive win. Now comes the hard part: a win-or-go-home tilt, one of precious few in league history.
Despite the comprehensive nature of Thursday’s beatdown, Golden State could take some positives from its performance — namely that it got 26 points from star Gabby Williams, 22 of which came in the second half.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Saturday’s Game 7. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more as the Dream and Valkyries meet one last time — this time, with the championship trophy in the building.
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MORE: How Dream-Valkyries are making WNBA Finals history with Game 7 matchup
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(All times Eastern)
8:28 p.m.: Atlanta has stormed back with vengeance, putting 11 past Golden State without reply. The Dream take the lead!
8:20 p.m.: The Valkyries have kicked off the game with an 8-0 run! Defense has been as lively as ever, while the offense has looked confident. Atlanta desperately needs a basket here.
8:12 p.m.: And we’re off! Game 7 is underway!
8:05 p.m.: We’re mere moments away from the start of tonight’s contest. Expect fireworks to erupt in this one.
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7:50 p.m.: As for the Dream, no changes to the starting group. Reese, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard will be pivotal to Atlanta’s pursuit of glory.
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Jordin Canada
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Allisha Gray
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Rhyne Howard
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Naz Hillmon
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Angel Reese
7:37 p.m.: The Valkyries will trot out the same starting five they have used since Game 4. Here’s how they’ll look:
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Veronica Burton
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Tiffany Hayes
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Kaila Charles
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Gabby Williams
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Kiah Stokes
7:30 p.m.: No injury news to report from Ballhalla. Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao is available to play. The same can be said for Valkyries sparkplug Tiffany Hayes, who exited Game 6 early.
7:00 p.m: As for Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, she is looking for intensity in the opening moments of Game 7. Golden State was caught by a Dream flurry in Atlanta. The Valkyries have no desire to have lightning strike twice.
