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ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 16: Angel Reese 5 of Atlanta reacts during the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream on August 16th, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire WNBA: AUG 16 Indiana Fever at Atlanta Dream EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260816018
Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream has a perfect record of 5-0 in the playoffs, but Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams holds three regular-season victories over the Atlanta team.
“They had this vision from the start; to see it come to fruition in Year 2 is pretty amazing,” Valkyries forward Kiah Stokes told The Associated Press (AP) during the Las Vegas Aces sweep.
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Euroleague Women Regular Season Round 12 Gabby Williams of Fenerbahce Opet seen in action during the Euroleague Women Regular Season Round 12 between Valencia Basket and Casademont Zaragoza at Pabellon Fuente de San Luis, Valencia . Valencia Pabellon Fuente de San Luis Valencia Spain Copyright: xVicentexVidalx
Owner of the team, Joe Lacob, had promised a title within five years, and here the team reached the Finals within just two, sweeping the champion Las Vegas Aces 87-77, having won 17-0 in the third quarter.
“Proud of getting there, but knowing that the job is not done,” Dream guard Jordin Canada said in an interview with The Associated Press (AP) after the 85-83 win over the New York Liberty.
Atlanta suffered sweeps in the finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013, and while Canada had 19 points and 11 assists in the finals game-winner, Allisha Gray was absent because of a left-hand injury.
Each team is due its confidence. The tougher call here is which team gets the edge from the match-ups.
Valkyries Hold the Edge in the 2026 WNBA Finals Prediction
Neither team will be finding anything easy against these kinds of defenses. The Valkyries have the advantage of playing at Chase Center, so Atlanta will need to take an away win early in order to turn things around.
The Canadian response to the Liberty sweep illustrates the mindset of the Dream.
“We want to enjoy this moment. We’re very proud of getting there. It took a lot of hard work,” Canada said after Atlanta’s 85-83 clincher over the Liberty and its first Finals trip since 2013.
“Proud of getting there, but knowing that the job is not done,” Canada added.
The pick here is the Valkyries in seven games with odds of 4-3. ESPN currently has the Valkyries at +120 and the Dream at +130. Forward Gabby Williams increased her points per game from 14.4 to 22.7 during the playoffs.
Three-point shooting, depth off the bench, and defense form the foundation of the team. Atlanta picks up if they win Game 1 or if Gray gets back to full health.
No matter which team wins, it will certainly result in a new champion in the WNBA.
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Written by
Utsav Gupta
Edited by
Utsav Gupta