Dream drop Game 4 in failed comeback bid against Valkyries

The stakes have risen, and the Atlanta Dream must regroup after falling 67-62 to the Golden State Valkyries to even the WNBA Finals at two games apiece.

The Dream played uncharacteristically in the first half, missing key free throws, committing 14 turnovers, and allowing the Valkyries to build confidence at the line.

The game started with a defensive clinic, drawing 10 total fouls in the first quarter, half in the first few minutes. Atlanta’s offense, however, struggled to get shots up, which boosted Golden State’s momentum and helped it take a five-point lead (16-11) to end the quarter, forcing seven turnovers from the Dream.

The Valkyries built a 16-point lead to end the first half, scoring 26 points in the second quarter to the Dream’s 15.

The Dream continued to get to the free-throw line to cut the deficit and capitalize on the Valkyries’ missed shots, but struggled to finish at the rim throughout the contest.

In the second half, Atlanta limited turnovers and climbed back into contention, scoring 19 points to Golden State’s 12 in the third quarter.

Despite the constant whistles, the Dream tried to regain momentum after cutting their deficit near the end, but couldn’t take the lead to finish the job.

Key Moments

In the last four minutes of the third quarter, the Dream began to change the pace of the game and looked poised to make a run after a slow first half. Isobel Borlase’s 3-pointer cut the lead to just six points and shifted momentum for the home crowd.

Top performers

Dream

Rhyne Howard: 19 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST

Jordin Canada: 10 PTS, 1 REB, 4 AST

Isobel Borlase: 10 PTS, 2 REB

Angel Reese: 8 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST

Naz Hillmon: 6 PTS, 9 REB, 1 AST

Valkyries

Gabby Williams: 17 PTS, 5 AST

Tiffany Hayes: 13 PTS, 5 REB

Veronica Burton: 13 PTS, 3 REB

Cecilia Zandalasini: 10 PTS, 1 REB

Quotable

“They were being very physical on defense, and we just needed to take care of the ball better, get some better shots early. And then when we did get good shots early, they didn’t fall, and we kind of dug ourselves a bit of a hole. Really happy with the fight we showed in the second half, but you know we can’t put ourselves in that position where you’re playing a great defensive team and you’re having to come back from double figures.” -Dream coach Karl Smesko on Golden State’s adjustment.

“I mean, we knew they (Golden State) were going to come out aggressive. We knew they were going to come out with a different mentality. They (media) keep asking us what they (Valkyries) did. I just think it was a lack of focus on our part. You know, we kept talking about it, but we didn’t show anything to be about it.” -Howard on their lack of matching the Valkyries’ aggressiveness.

“As long as we stay together and get back to our identity, we’ll be fine. I mean, also just for our free throws — like 22 for 31, we make all our free throws, we win the game. So, just small things like that, obviously turnovers as well. But just getting back to who we are defensively and then offensively, it’ll come.” -Reese on the message to the team.