Valkyries forced to Game 7 in WNBA Finals after loss to Atlanta Dream

The Golden State Valkyries lost Game 6 of the WNBA Finals to the Atlanta Dream by a score of 80-69, according to Mission Local. This loss ties the series and forces a decisive Game 7, which will be played in San Francisco on Saturday.

The game was played early in the morning Pacific Time due to a scheduling conflict at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Despite the distance, many Valkyries fans in San Francisco showed strong support, gathering at local venues like Rikki’s sports bar, Mother, Barebottle Brewery, and outside Chase Center to watch the game on a giant screen, Mission Local reported.

The Valkyries struggled early in Game 6, giving up 32 points in the first quarter to the Dream, as reported by SF Standard. This was a franchise first in allowing more than 30 points in the opening quarter. Atlanta’s high shooting percentage and aggressive play overwhelmed the Valkyries, who had previously built their reputation on strong defense.

Golden State had won Games 4 and 5 to take a 3-2 series lead, but the early deficit in Game 6 proved too much to overcome. The Valkyries will now rely on their home-court advantage in San Francisco for Game 7, where they will need a faster start and louder fan support to secure the championship, SF Standard noted.

Fans in San Francisco are preparing to rally behind the Valkyries at Ballhalla for the final game of the series, hoping to witness the team complete its rise to the top of the WNBA.

What we’re watching: The outcome of Game 7 in San Francisco will decide the WNBA champion this season, with the Valkyries aiming to capitalize on their home crowd to clinch the title.