Atlanta Dream dey lead Golden State Valkyries 58-52 with 8:48 left for fourth quarter of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center. The final period start with one long officiating review, and after the review officials conclude say Atlanta player Naz Hillmon commit flagrant foul. Dem upgrade Hillmon foul to flagrant 1 and send Golden State forward Cecilia Zandalasini to the free-throw line for three shots. Zandalasini miss the first two and convert the third, so Valkyries only collect one point from the whole chance.
For fourth quarter, Rhyne Howard earlier make both her free throws to stretch Atlanta lead to seven, their largest lead since opening quarter. Before that, Golden State briefly reclaim lead with 7-0 run midway through third quarter. Laeticia Amihere provide spark, scoring twice inside, including putback after Tiffany Hayes miss lay-up. Kaila Charles bury three-pointer to bring Golden State within one before Amihere finish layup off Kaitlyn Chen pass to put hosts ahead and force Dream coach Karl Smesko into another timeout. Atlanta still finish the period with six straight points and carry five-point lead into final 10 minutes. Allisha Gray score twice in final two minutes, including 10-foot jumper with nine seconds left, while Jordin Canada knock down two free throws as Atlanta capitalize on another Valkyries scoring drought.
Earlier in third quarter, Golden State offense go cold after Gabby Williams tie game 44-44 with pull-up jumper. Rhyne Howard answer with basket inside and Jordin Canada add layup to give Atlanta four-point cushion. Valkyries miss last seven shots, including three attempts from Williams, who struggle to recapture form wey produce 16 second-quarter points. Angel Reese make her presence felt defensively, swatting away Kaila Charles layup, although she also pick two fouls in quick succession. Both teams find points harder to come by after fast-paced first half.
Atlanta come out firing after break and back in front thanks to five-point flurry. Rhyne Howard bury 27-foot three-pointer to tie game on Dream opening possession.
