The Atlanta Dream completely lost their grip on Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries on the road despite holding a lead into the fourth quarter.
The Valkyries defended homecourt in Game 1 with a 68-64 win over the Dream, who failed to convert a strong nine-point lead into a win after an incredible defensive effort by the Valkyries to end the game.
The Dream and Valkyries are the two best defensive teams in the WNBA, so whichever team squeezes the margins on offence will be likely to win. Unfortunately for the Dream, they could not do that to save their team in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta Dream’s fourth-quarter woes highlighted by one damning stat
The Dream entered the final quarter with a five-point lead but despite the advantage, the Dream’s offence was completely choked in the fourth as they went 2-20 from the field (according to ESPN) and scored just eight points.
The likes of Angel Reese went scoreless on two shots in the final period, while lead guard Alisha Gray also went scoreless on seven missed shots.
The Valkyries defence completely suffocated the Dream in the final quarter, using their homecourt support to lock in and lock the Dream out of scoring opportunities, with coach Karl Smesko not being able to counter Natalie Nakase’s scheme.
Gabby Williams scored as many points as the Dream in the fourth quarter with eight, ending the night with 26 points and another starring performance in this Valkyries run.
The Dream and Valkyries are the two best defensive teams in the WNBA, so a low-scoring game should not be surprising. However, Game 1 proved that this series will come down to which teams can maximise whatever they can from the offence, as no easy buckets will be possible from either side.
Hopefully, the Dream have some idea on how to improve their late-game execution in Game 2, otherwise this series might end with the Dream’s fourth WNBA Finals loss in franchise history.
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