3-3: WNBA Finals Head to First-Ever Decider

A 3-3 tie in the WNBA Finals sets up the first seven-game series in league history, with the championship to be decided in San Francisco.

Atlanta Dream forward Allisha Gray hit a corner three-pointer as the final shot in an 80-69 victory at State Farm Arena. The win snapped the Golden State Valkyries' momentum and forced a return to Chase Center for the deciding game. The series will conclude on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. This marks the first time the league has played a best-of-seven final since switching from the five-game format used since 2005. Last season, Las Vegas swept Phoenix in four games.

The shift to seven games has altered the physical and mental demands on the players. The current series began on Oct. 17 and will end two weeks later. The teams have completed five cross-country trips because Golden State hosted the first two games and Game 5. Atlanta forward DeWanna Bonner noted the 4.5-hour flight time creates a distinct fatigue. "Especially because the travel is so long, too, it's 4½ hours back and forth. I can absolutely feel the difference .. you feel it mentally and you feel it physically. It's how you handle it," Bonner said.

Both rosters include veterans who have previously won titles. Golden State center Kiah Stokes holds three championships with Las Vegas. Atlanta has players with two titles each, including Bonner with Phoenix and Jordin Canada with Seattle. The teams have approached the series differently. Golden State has relied on defensive pressure to win its games, while Atlanta has scored over 70 points in each of its victories.

Player reactions emphasize the need for mental resilience. Golden State guard Gabby Williams said the extended series requires a different level of focus. "We know the schemes, they know our set, we know their tendencies and they know ours," said Golden State center Kiah Stokes. "Who can execute the game plan more? And it comes down to who wants it more?" Atlanta forward Angel Reese emphasized the physical toll the team is willing to endure. "You're going to have to peel me off the court. I want to be so damn tired. Like, I want to just be able to give everything," Reese said.

History suggests the home team has an advantage in decisive games. In eight previous championship series that went the distance, the home side won six of the final games. Golden State tried to close out the series in Atlanta on Thursday but fell behind by 25 points in the first half. Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said the loss showed the team's character. "We didn't quit," Burton said.

The next step is a single-elimination game at Chase Center. The winner will secure the first title for either franchise. The schedule places the game on Saturday evening, concluding the 30th season of the WNBA.