The matchup between Golden State Valkyries vs Atlanta Dream was intense. Ballhalla’s road warriors came out swinging. However, the final chapter belonged to the Dream.
The Golden State Valkyries brought the fight to Atlanta on Monday night. They built a 10-point lead early and lit it up from deep (5-of-7 from three in Q1!). Monique Billings was relentless, pouring in 19 points with power and poise. Kayla Thornton added 15, and Kate Martin and Veronica Burton chipped in 11 apiece.
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But when the fourth quarter hit, the dream turned into a nightmare.
Atlanta used a late 15-2 burst to flip the script and seal a 90-81 win. The Valkyries were outscored 26-13 in the final frame. Allisha Gray (24 PTS) and Naz Hillmon (16 PTS, 4 threes — a career-high) broke the game open. Hillmon’s back-to-back daggers from downtown felt like body blows. Moreover, a three-point play by Gray with 4:34 left gave the Dream a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Golden State had its moments — including a beautiful 8-0 run to end the second quarter and a gritty putback by Billings to take a 68-64 lead heading into the fourth. But closing time belonged to the home team.
The Valkyries drop to 9-9 on the season. The mission continues Wednesday in D.C. against the Mystics.
🔥 Final: Dream 90, Valkyries 81
🏀 Monique Billings: 19 PTS
🛡️ Kayla Thornton: 15
