Golden State Valkyries host Atlanta Dream in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals tonight after rallying for a 68-64 victory in the series opener.
Golden State's quest for its first WNBA title continues when its best-of-seven Finals series against the Dream resumes at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center.
The Valkyries opened the Finals in winning fashion and extended their winning streak to five games Saturday, overcoming an eight-point first-quarter deficit to defeat Atlanta, 68-64.
Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter, as Golden State won despite shooting just 32.1% from the field.
The Dream led 56-51 entering the fourth quarter but managed only eight points over the final 10 minutes.
Atlanta missed 17 of its 19 fourth-quarter shots and failed to score over the final 3:12.
Allisha Gray, returning from a left-hand injury, led Atlanta with 19 points. Angel Reese added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard finished with 12 points.
Golden State closed the contest on a 7-0 run, with Williams making six crucial free throws down the stretch.
The defeat snapped Atlanta's 10-game winning streak, including five consecutive playoff victories.
Golden State has now defeated the Dream in all four meetings this season.
Dream vs. Valkyries betting picks and predictions
Golden State Valkyries -2.5 (-107)
Golden State demonstrated its resilience in Game 1, overcoming a difficult shooting performance to extend its postseason winning streak.
The Valkyries have now won five consecutive playoff games, including their three-game semifinal sweep of defending champion Las Vegas.
Golden State's defense remains its biggest advantage. The Valkyries finished the regular season with the WNBA's best defensive rating at 99.1, while Atlanta ranked third at 103.5.
That defensive strength was evident Saturday, when Golden State held Atlanta to 64 points on 32.8% shooting.
The Dream averaged 91.3 points during the regular season but have struggled offensively against the Valkyries - Atlanta has averaged just 72 points across four meetings with Golden State this season.
Williams provides another significant advantage after delivering 26 points in Game 1. She has emerged as Golden State's leading offensive threat in the playoffs, complemented by the defensive contributions of Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes.
Stokes recorded four blocked shots Saturday, helping Golden State control the paint during its comeback.
Atlanta still has considerable offensive talent, especially with Gray back in the lineup, however, Howard struggled in Game 1, shooting 3-for-14 from the field.
The Dream also failed to capitalize on Golden State's offensive difficulties, surrendering a late lead despite holding the Valkyries to 68 points.
Golden State's defensive consistency, home-court advantage and ability to win close games make another victory appealing.
The Valkyries have covered in each of their four meetings with Atlanta this season, including as a 2.5-point favorite in Game 1, so look for them to do the same thing here.
Under 152.5 points (-110)
Saturday's series opener reinforced both teams' defensive strengths, producing just 132 combined points. Neither team shot better than 33% from the field, while Golden State made only seven of its 33 three-point attempts.
Atlanta's fourth-quarter struggles were particularly significant, with the Dream scoring just eight points while shooting 2-for-19. Golden State also struggled offensively, managing only nine points in the third quarter.
Both teams possess elite defensive personnel capable of disrupting opposing offenses.
Reese, Howard, and Jordin Canada lead Atlanta's defensive efforts, while Williams, Burton, and Stokes give Golden State considerable versatility.
The Valkyries have also demonstrated their ability to win defensive battles throughout the postseason. They held Las Vegas to 60 points in their semifinal opener, before limiting Atlanta to 64 on Saturday.
Three of the four meetings between these teams this season have produced fewer than 153 combined points.
With both defenses able to control the tempo and contest shots, another relatively low-scoring matchup appears likely.
Five of the teams' last six meetings, dating to last season, have gone to the Under, including all four games played at Chase Center. Take it again here.
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Dream vs. Valkyries odds
Atlanta Dream | +121 |
Golden State Valkyries | -142 |
Spread | GS Valkyries -2.5 |
Total Points | O/U 152.5 |
Dream vs. Valkyries player props
Player points
Rhyne Howard (ATL Dream) | O/U 15.5 |
Allisha Gray (ATL Dream) | O/U 15.5 |
Angel Reese (ATL Dream) | O/U 14.5 |
Gabby Williams (GS Valkyries) | O/U 19.5 |
Veronica Burton (GS Valkyries) | O/U 9.5 |
Cecilia Zandalasini (GS Valkyries) | O/U 7.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
