DeWanna Bonner, the WNBA’s third-leading scorer all-time, called it. Less than 24 hours before a do-or-die Game 6, she told reporters the Atlanta Dream wouldn’t lose confidence, and guess what? They just beat the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 on Thursday afternoon, forcing the first Game 7 in WNBA history. Bonner, who is also the second-leading scorer in WNBA playoff history, wasn’t just talking. She straight-up predicted the turnaround after the Dream’s recent shooting struggles.
“Here Go ATL Basketball!” and a Historic Win
Bonner was crystal clear on Wednesday: “We’ve been taking those shots all series, so it’s just a matter of knocking a couple down. You start feeling good about yourself. The crowd started getting behind it. And then it’s like, ‘Here we go. Here go ATL basketball.’” And like a prophet, her words became reality. The Dream found their offensive swagger, knocked down shots, and the crowd in State Farm Arena absolutely erupted, feeding into that energy Bonner talked about. They weren’t just winning a game, they were making history by pushing the series to a decisive Game 7.
That Thursday Lunchtime Crowd Was EVERYTHING
Forget the “embarrassing web of scheduling conflicts” that forced this Game 6 to be played at 12:30 p.m. ET on a Thursday. Forget the “leadership failures and bureaucratic blame games.” None of that noise could hold a candle to the deafening roar of the sold-out State Farm Arena crowd. Angel Reese, who dropped 15 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, said it best: “First, shout out to the crowd being able to come here at 12:30 on a Thursday. So many things going on in the world, from school to work to everything else. And we’re just super thankful. We fed off their energy. They were loud from the beginning.” This wasn’t just a crowd; it was an extra layer of pure enthusiasm, maybe from the desperation of an elimination game, or the novelty of ditching work to witness a historic moment. That tangible electricity in the arena jolted the Dream to life. The Valkyries grabbed a quick 2-0 lead on a Veronica Burton step back early, but it didn’t last. Allisha Gray, playing with only eight healthy fingers since a hand injury in Game 1 of the semifinals, was part of the surge that flipped the script.
Now, the Dream are riding a tidal wave of momentum and a city’s belief into the first Game 7 in WNBA history. You know State Farm Arena is going to be rocking again. This is what it’s all about!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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