Jul 4, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) is defended by Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Im… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Benjamin Yu, Editor Theresa Melisurgo Sat, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC · 4 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stage is finally set! After both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries completed semi-final sweeps, both teams are competing in the 2026 WNBA Finals. This matchup is promising to be extra intense as it will be the 30th Championship in WNBA history. Let's take a look at the finals.
The Atlanta Dream tipped off against the New York Liberty in the semifinals. During Game 1, the Dream's top scorer, Allisha Gray , left the game with a hand injury. She did not return for the rest of that round. Despite that major loss, the Dream swept the Liberty. Players such as 17-year veteran DeWanna Bonner and Jordin Canada stepped up. Bonner, whose signing has been a major factor, is averaging 13.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and a steal per game during the postseason. Canada is averaging 19.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game this postseason.
Oct 7, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a play against the New York Liberty during overtime of game two of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The x-factor for the Dream has been Angel Reese . This is Reese's first time in the WNBA playoffs, and she is playing extremely well. The forward is averaging 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this postseason. On the defensive end, Reese is averaging 1.6 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
The Atlanta Dream are up against a strong Golden State Valkyries team. The Valkyries can shoot the three-ball well and have one of the best defenses in the league. It is difficult to score many points on the Valkyries, especially when they are playing at home. If the Dream want to win, they will need consistent offense every night. Players such as Reese and Bonner will have to keep up their strong defensive performances during each game.
The Golden State Valkyries have taken the WNBA by storm with their overall team success and victory over the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces, in the semifinals. Gabby Williams has put up the best numbers in her career this season. During the playoffs, she has not taken her foot off the gas. Williams is averaging 22.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game during the postseason. She has been the leader for this Golden State team the entire way. Even if she is having a rough shooting night, she finds a way to turn things around for her team.
Oct 9, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) speaks at a news conference after defeating the Las Vegas Aces in game three of the second round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Additionally, Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes have been solid during the postseason. Hayes is averaging 13.3 points, while Burton is averaging 9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. A player that the Valkyries will need as an x-factor going into the finals is Janelle Salaün . She has had a quiet postseason. Now would be the time for her to get her three-point shot back.
The Golden State Valkyries are up against one of the tallest teams in the league. The Dream are going to play just as strong a defense as the Valkyries do. If the Valkyries want to win, they will need to maintain their defense and generate a lot of offense. Players such as Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini will need to contribute from three-point range. The Valkyries can get an edge if they outshoot the Dream from the three-point line.
This matchup could see some low-scoring games with two of the best defensive teams up against one another. However, both teams have strong three-point shooters and superstars. Due to the home-court advantage in favor of the Golden State Valkyries, they will have an edge. The crowd is essentially their sixth player. Additionally, the roster on the Valkyries consists of many former champions from the WNBA, top WNBA Draft prospects , and players from leagues overseas. There is a lot of combined experience there.
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Source: Sports
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