Atlanta Dream Speak Out Over Early Tipoff for Game 6

Arena Frustration in Atlanta

The Atlanta Dream published an open letter to the city after Game 6 of the WNBA Finals was shifted to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. The team wanted to play at State Farm Arena, which seats roughly 17,000 fans, rather than their usual home court at Gateway Center, which holds just 3,500.

The organization stated that its concerns about scheduling conflicts with NBA games were brought up two months ago. Dream leadership felt those concerns did not get the required attention or urgency, stating that an early afternoon game was not what they fought for.

Logistical Conflicts Behind the Shift

The change moved Game 6 from its original 8 p.m. time slot. To accommodate the change, the Atlanta Hawks pushed their home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers back to 8 p.m. Both NBA teams played on Wednesday night, which prevented them from playing earlier on Thursday.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert thanked the involved parties for their flexibility and noted the success of crowds during Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Dream coach Karl Smesko expressed disappointment for fans with work commitments who cannot watch, but he hopes for strong viewership.

With a 9:30 a.m. tipoff in California, Valkyries players Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton encouraged Bay Area fans to call in sick. Coach Natalie Nakase expects fans to find a way to watch.

Atlanta players Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Angel Reese brushed off the unusual timing. Gray stated that the team remains focused on winning a championship regardless of when they play.

What it means for the next game

Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream (WNBA, Thu, 29 Oct): Atlanta Dream win 57%, Golden State Valkyries win 43%; projected score Atlanta Dream 75, Golden State Valkyries 72. Our safest pick: Valkyries +11.5.

Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Sun, 01 Nov): Golden State Valkyries win 46%, Atlanta Dream win 54%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 75, Atlanta Dream 75. Our safest pick: Dream +6.5.