Atlanta Dream Fall 68–64 in Finals Opener; Game 2 Is Monday

Read this article in Spanish · Leer en español

The Atlanta Dream went cold when they needed baskets most Saturday, scoring just eight points in the fourth quarter of a 68–64 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in the opening game of the WNBA Finals.

Atlanta shot 2-for-19 in the final period and missed all seven of its 3-point attempts. Golden State scored the game’s last seven points to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Exclusive sponsor

SAT or ACT? Start with a free practice test.Try a full-length diagnostic, in person or from home. Get a score report and recommendations for your next steps.Find a free mock test ↗

The Dream will try to even the series Monday, October 19, at 8 p.m. Eastern before the Finals move to Atlanta.

Allisha Gray returned from a finger injury to lead the Dream with 19 points. Angel Reese finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jordin Canada contributed eight points, seven assists and five rebounds. Gray had missed Atlanta’s previous two playoff games.

Reese gave Atlanta a strong start, scoring 11 points in the first quarter as the Dream built an eight-point lead. But she did not make another field goal over the remaining three quarters. Golden State also won the rebounding battle, 41–35, and got 20 points from its bench to Atlanta’s six.

Gabby Williams carried the Valkyries’ offense with 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter. She was Golden State’s only player to reach double figures.

Williams put the Valkyries ahead with two free throws with 1:18 remaining. Atlanta still had opportunities, but missed late 3-point attempts by Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Gray. Williams added two more free throws with 4.1 seconds left to secure the win.

How to watch Game 2

Monday’s game tips off at 8 p.m. Eastern at Chase Center, with coverage on USA Network, CNBC and Peacock, according to the official broadcast schedule.

The teams then head to State Farm Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m., and Game 4 on Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. Both times are Eastern. Tickets for the Atlanta games are available through the Dream’s official website.

Atlanta remains in pursuit of its first WNBA championship. Monday offers a chance to return home with the series tied rather than facing a two-game deficit.