Valkyries vs. Dream Recap: Atlanta Forces Game 7, Two Plays Cash
Atlanta beat Golden State 80-69 in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, and the series is tied 3-3. The Dream won the first quarter 32-15 and led 46-26 at halftime. Their lead reached 25, and Atlanta was ahead for 98 percent of the game. The Valkyries won the second half 43-34, but the hole was too deep. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 23 points on 5-of-7 from three, Angel Reese added 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Gabby Williams scored 26 for Golden State. Two DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.
What cashed
Rhyne Howard 20+ points + rebounds + assists (-255 at DraftKings): CASHED
- Our read: Howard had cleared 20 PRA in 9 of her last 10, including 27 and 28 in Games 4 and 5 on 37-39 minutes.
- What happened: She played 38 minutes and posted 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists for 29 PRA, 9.5 over. She made 4 of 6 threes and all 5 of her free throws.
- Worth watching: That is three straight Finals games at 27+ PRA. Her minutes have held in the high 30s, and that is what drives this line.
Cecilia Zandalasini 1+ made threes (-258 at DraftKings): CASHED
- Our read: Zandalasini had hit a three in 9 of her last 10 and in all 5 Finals games, playing 17-25 minutes a night off the bench.
- What happened: She made 1 of 4 threes in 22 minutes and scored 9 points. Right on the number.
- Worth watching: She has now hit a three in all 6 Finals games. Her minutes stayed in the same range, which is what this line depends on.
How the game played out
Golden State shot 22-of-70 from the field and 7-of-27 from three. Atlanta made 13 of 30 threes and blocked 8 shots. Williams took 22 shots for her 26 points, and Tiffany Hayes added 15. Laeticia Amihere grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench for the Valkyries.
The Dream had 15 turnovers to Golden State's 11, but their 32-15 first quarter set the tone.
Trends to watch
- Howard has played 37-39 minutes in three straight games. In a Game 7, her PRA line is the one to check first.
- Gray made 5 of 7 threes. Her threes line deserves a look while she is shooting like this.
- Reese had 14 rebounds in 35 minutes. Her rebound line stays in view while she plays heavy minutes.
Stats are from the ESPN box score. For more on these markets, see player prop and implied probability.
21+. Research and commentary, not a sportsbook. Past calls don't guarantee future results.