Atlanta – The Dream announced Wednesday that Game 6 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries will be a sellout, with roughly 17,000 fans expected at State Farm Arena despite the controversial 12:30 p.m. EDT tipoff.
Series Situation
The Valkyries lead the series 3‑2 and can clinch their first championship with a win. The Dream must win to force a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night in California.
Early Start Concerns Addressed
Critics feared the early start would leave seats empty as fans dealt with work and school obligations. Coach Karl Smesko said the sellout shows strong community support and hopes fans arrive early to back the team.
“I think it’s good,” Smesko said. “I’m glad we’re at State Farm and they got everything worked out. Everybody understands it’s going to be an early start time. Hopefully the crowd gets there early and is ready to support us to a win.”
Venue Logistics
The Dream will play the remainder of the Finals at State Farm Arena, a venue they will call home beginning next season after signing a multiyear agreement. Scheduling conflicts with a concert and an NBA Hawks game required the early tipoff, as the Hawks had a home game that night.
To accommodate both events, the arena will undergo a second court transformation. The Hawks moved their game against the Cavaliers from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to allow time for the Dream’s court removal and the Hawks’ court installation.
Recent Performance
The Valkyries are adjusting defensively after a 97‑71 loss in Game 3. They limited Angel Reese and the Dream to their lowest scoring games of the series in Games 4 and 5, holding the Dream to 67‑62 and 64‑55 victories respectively.
Reese, who opened the series with three straight double‑doubles, has struggled to find her shot in the last two games. “Just trying to match her minutes,” center Kiah Stokes said, noting the increased pressure on the perimeter.
Team Outlook
The Dream rank third in the league in scoring at 90.8 points per game, while the Valkyries allow a league‑low 75.1 points per game. Reese remains confident, saying the team is prepared and believes the points will come in Game 6.
“We put the work in every single day, Karl has us the most prepared team, so that’s why we have no doubt this team will come back and fight back and win this Game 6,” Reese said.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
