Editorial illustration. This image does not depict the actual game.

The Atlanta Dream face elimination in the WNBA Finals after falling 64-55 to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 5 on Monday night in San Francisco. Golden State leads the series 3-2. Atlanta needs a win in Game 6 on Thursday to extend the Finals to a deciding seventh game.

The next game brings the series back to Atlanta for an unusual daytime tip. The Dream’s home crowd will have its next chance to see the team compete for a place in Game 7 at State Farm Arena.

Game 6 details

  • Matchup: Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream
  • Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
  • Tipoff: 12:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
  • Broadcast: USA Network and Peacock, according to the WNBA announcement

The 12:30 p.m. start is an unusual daytime tip for a Finals game. NBC Sports reported that Game 6 was moved from its originally scheduled evening start to accommodate the move to State Farm Arena. The game had been set for 8 p.m. ET.

Game 5 ends with Golden State ahead

The Valkyries won Game 5, 64-55, on Monday, October 26, in San Francisco. The result puts them one win from the championship and leaves Atlanta needing a victory to keep the series alive.

Allisha Gray scored 10 points for Atlanta. Angel Reese had seven points and 15 rebounds. The Associated Press recap published by the WNBA also reported that Reese added five assists, while Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 20 points.

The game followed four different results across the opening stretch of the series. Golden State took Game 1, 68-64, before Atlanta answered with a 79-65 win in Game 2 and a 97-71 win in Game 3. The Valkyries then won Game 4, 67-62, and claimed Game 5 to move ahead in the series.

The WNBA’s Game 5 recap records the latest score and series context. Atlanta now returns home with the Finals on the line, while Golden State travels to State Farm Arena with a chance to close out the series.

Reese and Smesko criticize officiating

After the game, Reese and Dream head coach Karl Smesko publicly criticized the officiating. Their comments were reported by USA Today, the Associated Press and ESPN.

Smesko described the contact he said Reese faced as “ridiculous.” He argued that the Dream should have earned six to eight additional free-throw attempts from that contact alone. He also cited uncalled travels and double-dribbles. Those statements reflect Smesko’s criticism of the calls, rather than an independent assessment of the officiating.

Reese expressed frustration about what she described as inconsistency. She said officials told her they would “get calls next time.” Reese also said she felt the officiating quality had shifted negatively after Atlanta went ahead 2-1 in the series.

The comments came after Game 5, when Atlanta’s season remained at stake and Golden State took a 3-2 lead. The criticism was part of the postgame discussion from the Dream coach and star player. Atlanta must now prepare for Thursday’s game, with the series still active and the next result determining whether the Finals continue.

What a Game 6 win means

A Dream win on Thursday would even the series at 3-3 and force a Game 7. The WNBA Finals schedule lists the deciding game for Saturday, October 31, in San Francisco, if necessary. Golden State would host that game.

If Atlanta loses Game 6, Golden State wins the series. The simple stakes make the daytime game a pivotal date for both teams: Atlanta needs a win to continue the Finals, while the Valkyries have an opportunity to finish the series on the road.

The next tip comes less than three days after Game 5. For Atlanta supporters, the practical details are clear: the game begins at 12:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena, with coverage on USA Network and Peacock. The WNBA’s schedule provides the official game listing.

Follow the Finals

The Dream and Valkyries return to the court Thursday with the series at 3-2. Atlanta needs a win to send the Finals back to San Francisco for Game 7.

Are you going to the daytime tip at State Farm Arena? Share your plans, and follow more local sports news through the Atlanta Wave TV newsroom.

Based on published reporting from USA Today, the Associated Press, ESPN and NBC Sports, and WNBA announcements. Atlanta Wave TV is not credentialed and is not attending. Information current as of October 27, 2026.