Atlanta Dream rallies to defeat Golden State Valkyries in comeback

On July 7, 2025, in a pivotal WNBA matchup, the Atlanta Dream triumphed over the Golden State Valkyries with a score of 90-81. This game marked the first meeting between these two teams during the ongoing season. The Dream entered the game with a solid record of 11-7, positioned at 5th in the league standings, while the Valkyries, holding a record of 9-8, were steady in 6th place. With a potential loss, the Valkyries risked falling into a tie with the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces, who were closely trailing by one game behind them. The Dream aimed to solidify their playoff position against a competitive Valkyries squad that had showcased a strong defense in previous games, known for holding opponents to the lowest field goal percentage in the league. Throughout the game, the Valkyries established an early lead, even reaching a 26-16 advantage in the first quarter. They capitalized on their three-point accuracy, going 5 of 7 in that quarter. However, the narrative shifted as the game progressed. By halftime, the Valkyries maintained a narrow lead of 45-43. The third quarter saw a competitive exchange, leading to a 68-64 Valkyries lead entering the final period. Unfortunately for them, the Dream took control in the fourth quarter, demonstrating resilience and teamwork that turned the tide in their favor. Allisha Gray starred for the Dream, contributing significantly with 24 points, which included a decisive three-point play that secured Atlanta's lead for good with just over four minutes left in the game. Teammate Naz Hillmon also made a notable impact, scoring 16 points and hitting four 3-pointers—a personal best for her. The Dream's Rhyne Howard, who leads the WNBA in three-point shooting, added another 15 points, while Brionna Jones provided crucial support with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The team effectively exploited turnover opportunities, scoring a season-high 25 points off of the Valkyries' mistakes. For the Valkyries, Monique Billings topped the scoring chart with 19 points, although the team struggled defensively in the final minutes of the game. Other notable contributions came from Kayla Thornton with 15 points, Tiffany Hayes with 12 points, and both Veronica Burton and Kate Martin, who each scored 11 points. The Valkyries' inability to maintain their earlier scoring pace allowed the Dream to execute a powerful 26-13 fourth quarter, sealing their victory and enhancing their standings as they prepare to embark on a six-game road trip navigating through competitive arenas across the league.