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Ivory CoastValkyries look to finish WNBA Finals against Dream in Game 6
Golden State holds a 3-2 lead over Atlanta as Game 6 of the WNBA Finals tips off on Thursday.
Dream face elimination against Valkyries
The Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET inside State Farm Arena. Golden State holds a 3-2 lead in the best of seven WNBA Finals. The Valkyries can secure the first title in franchise history in just their second season.
Atlanta lost back to back games after taking a 2-1 lead. If the Dream win, the series goes back to Chase Center for Game 7 on Saturday.
How Atlanta can save its season
Turnovers have hurt Atlanta in the last two losses. The Dream had 18 turnovers in Game 4, leading to 16 points for Golden State. In Game 5, 17 turnovers turned into 21 points for the Valkyries. Forward Angel Reese mentioned that she needs to slow down, read the game better, and avoid offensive fouls.
Shooting has also dropped. Atlanta shot 33% overall and 16% from 3 point range in Game 1, 33% and 17% in Game 4, and 29% and 23% in Game 5. Guard Allisha Gray is dealing with an injury to her shooting hand from Game 1 of the semifinals. Her postseason shooting is down to 34.4% overall and 25.6% from deep after averaging 46.3% and 33.9% in the regular season. Reese added that getting steals and blocks early helps get the home crowd involved.
Golden State looks to close out
Golden State wants to secure the championship without going back home for Game 7. Center Kiah Stokes said the Valkyries must absorb Atlanta's best fight and impose their will. Defensive focus has been key for Golden State, especially when controlling the pick and roll. Even though Stokes felt the guard defense allowed open looks in Game 5, the Valkyries still held Atlanta to 55 points.
Rebounding is another big factor for coach Natalie Nakase. The Dream lead the overall rebounding battle 189 to 178 across five games. Golden State won on the boards in Game 1 and Game 4, both of which were victories.
What it means for the next game
Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream (WNBA, Thu, 29 Oct): Atlanta Dream win 58%, Golden State Valkyries win 42%; 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 45%, Atlanta Dream win 55%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 75, Atlanta Dream 75. Our safest pick: Dream +6.5.
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