WNBA History: Atlanta forces first-ever Finals Game 7

The Atlanta Dream survived the pressure of elimination by beating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday night. The victory at State Farm Arena ensures the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. This milestone occurs after the Dream trailed the series 3-2 prior to the final two games.

Allisha Gray provided the decisive spark late in the contest. With under a minute remaining, she hit a three-pointer from the right corner. The shot extended the lead and secured the win for Atlanta. Gray celebrated by roaring to the home crowd after the basket dropped.

Gray had played through hand injuries sustained in the semifinals. She underwent a minor procedure for finger damage that affected her shooting. Over the first five games, she relied on defense and playmaking rather than scoring. In Game 6, she delivered a career playoff performance with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting.

Her shooting efficiency reached 5-of-7 from deep. This made her the second player in league history to hit at least five three-pointers while facing elimination in the Finals. Gray also recorded two steals and three blocks. She held the Valkyries to 2-of-17 shooting as the primary defender.

The Dream established a massive lead early in the game. They outscored Golden State 32-15 in the first quarter. The team hit six three-pointers in that stretch. This performance made them the second team in Finals history to shoot at least 75 percent from deep in a quarter. The first quarter also marked the first time the Valkyries allowed 30 points in the opening period.

Atlanta led by 25 points at halftime. That is the largest lead by a team facing elimination in Finals history. The Dream also tied the Finals record for three-pointers made by a team on the brink with 13 makes. Coach Karl Smesko praised Gray's execution, stating her preparation from film to the floor was flawless.

Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds to the effort. Rhyne Howard added 21 points and four three-pointers. The players embraced their trash-talking identity before the game. Reese noted that the team punches first to win. Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in San Francisco.