Angel Reese makes WNBA finals history as Atlanta Dream forces game 7

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 at State Farm Arena on a record breaking Thursday night for

Oct 30, 2026 0

Angel Reese makes WNBA finals history as Atlanta Dream forces game 7

Connecticut Sun v Atlanta Dream — COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts against the Connecticut Sun during the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena on September 17, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Photo by: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 at State Farm Arena on a record breaking Thursday night for Angel Reese.

The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, forcing the league’s first-ever Finals Game 7. Angel Reese recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, setting a new record for rebounds in a single Finals series.

The victory made history, marking the first time a WNBA Finals series has reached a seventh game, according to the Associated Press. With the championship still undecided, Atlanta’s performance also brought renewed attention to Angel Reese, whose contributions on the boards have helped define the series.

Atlanta established control from the opening quarter, building a commanding lead against Golden State in front of a sold-out crowd at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. The Dream’s 32-point first-quarter output set a WNBA Finals record for the largest first-quarter lead. Atlanta carried a 46-26 advantage into halftime and withstood Golden State’s attempts to rally in the second half.

Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream, WNBA, Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark, Black women in sports, women’s basketball, thegrio — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 20: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream grabs a rebound during the first quarter against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena on June 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Colin Hubbard/Getty Images) – Credit: Photo Colin Hubbard / Getty Images

Despite the Valkyries’ push in the third and fourth quarters, Atlanta delivered key shots down the stretch to secure the 11-point victory. The result tied the series at 3-3, setting up a winner-take-all Game 7 in California on Saturday, Oct. 31. Both franchises are pursuing their first WNBA championship.

While Atlanta’s victory was a team effort, Angel Reese’s performance stood out after she struggled from the field in Games 4 and 5. The forward recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in Game 6. Her 14 rebounds brought her series total to 78, surpassing the previous WNBA Finals record of 75, set by Sylvia Fowles during the 2017 Finals, according to Yahoo Sports. The milestone underscores Reese’s impact in an area that does not depend solely on scoring.

Angel Reese’s rebounding has helped Atlanta compete for second-chance opportunities and maintain possession during a high-pressure championship series. After the game, Reese credited a shift in mindset for helping her respond to her recent shooting struggles. “It was just a mental mindset of me just being able to go out there and just try to lead the team as best I can,” Reese said, according to the Associated Press.

“No matter how ugly it can be, as long as we came out with the win, I just wanted to do whatever it took.”