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It wasn’t pretty, but the Valkyries extended their home undefeated playoff streak with a Game 1 win on Saturday, led by Gabby Williams’ 26 points.
The Dream had a chance to steal the opening game of the WNBA Finals, but they shot a torrid 2-of-20 from the field in the fourth quarter, scoring just nine points, while Golden State scored 17.
A game like Saturday’s was expected when the two best defensive teams left in the playoffs faced off —but not in the series opener.
Call it butterflies or the extended week of rest both teams had, but the past is past.
Golden State is a 2.5-point favorite in Game 2 as it looks to take a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.
Dream vs. Valkyries Game 2 prediction, best bet
Atlanta simply can’t solve Chase Center: Saturday’s loss dropped its record to 0-4 in the Bay Area this season. The Dream also shot an abysmal 33 percent from the field, going 4-for-16 from beyond the arc, in their first postseason loss.
Allisha Gray showed no signs of a lag in her return from injury, leading the Dream with 19 points, but it took 19 shot attempts to do it. Angel Reese chipped in a 14-point,12-rebound double-double.
Golden State’s length at the rim caused major problems inside, where the Valkyries turned back 10 shots and made finishing in the lane a grueling task for Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada.
Despite the brutal showing, Atlanta had several chances to take the lead late in the game but fell short.
As bad as the Dream closed, Golden State’s offense mirrored its opponent’s.
The Valkyries shot 32 percent from the floor, their lowest percentage all postseason, and Williams was the only player to crack double figures. The Dream raced to a 22-14 lead after the first quarter, but the Valkyries fed off their home crowd to counter with 28 points in the second.
Golden State’s concern: starter Kayla Thornton was benched, logging only seven minutes. Tiffany Hayes missed 11 field goals off the pine and sustained a head injury in the last minutes of regulation.
Both teams would probably welcome a chance to do it over.
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Now that the initial nerves have settled, expecting a more fluid offensive battle in Game 2 makes sense.
After opening at 154.5 on Saturday, Monday’s total dropped to 151.5—making the over an enticing play as both squads look to find their rhythm.
The Play: Over 151.5 total points (-110, DraftKings)
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