After two straight losses, angel reese manifests dream comeback to force WNBA Finals Game 7

Reese backs her prediction

Before Thursday’s game, Reese said she was certain Atlanta would return and win Game 6. The Dream had lost twice in a row, and Reese had scored 15 points across those defeats.

She finished Thursday with 15 points, a game-high 14 rebounds and six assists. It was her strongest Finals showing since Atlanta’s Game 3 victory. After falling behind 2-0, Atlanta moved ahead on an Allisha Gray three-pointer and held the lead. The Dream built a margin of up to 25 points.

Atlanta’s guards deliver

Gray and Rhyne Howard supported Reese with their best shooting displays of the series. Together, they scored 44 points, making 14 of 23 shots and nine of 13 three-pointers.

Gray’s performance came after a difficult return from a hand procedure. Across Games 1 through 5, she averaged 12 points while shooting 28.1 percent overall and 19.2 percent from three-point range.

Reese said Atlanta needed both players. “We don’t win without them,” she said of Gray and Howard, whom she described as MVP-caliber and All-Star players.

A three-point trend continues

Reese made a corner three in the first half to put Atlanta up by 23. ESPN reported after the game that the Dream were 16-0 this season, including the playoffs, in games when Reese made a three-pointer. Atlanta’s win extended the Finals and forced a Game 7 against the Valkyries.