WNBA Finals Game 6 Set for Thursday Midday in Atlanta as Valkyries Lead Dream 3-2
Photo: Fox NewsGame 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday at State Farm Arena, with the Valkyries one win from their first title and leading the best-of-seven series 3-2. The start is 9:30 a.m. in California. The early time gives the arena crews time to prepare for an NBA game that night, when the Hawks host the Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET.
Golden State took the lead with a 64-55 win in Game 5 on Monday in San Francisco. Kiah Stokes had 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and Veronica Burton had 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Angel Reese was held to seven points, though she had 15 rebounds. The Dream released an open letter to Atlanta saying they raised concerns about conflicts with NBA games two months ago, when playoff dates were set, and that those concerns did not get the attention they deserved. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he plans to watch.
Left-leaning outlets split their focus. The Guardian recaps Game 5, quoting Burton and Stokes and Reese's belief that Atlanta can still win, while NPR interviews AP writer Doug Feinberg on why the game is at midday. Right-leaning outlets lead with the scheduling dispute. The New York Post quotes the Dream's letter and notes Golden State might have to celebrate in the Dream's practice facility. Fox News stresses fan reaction, a Valkyries player's "call in sick" message, Kerr's comment and record ratings. Both sides report the 12:30 p.m. start and the 3-2 score. The left pairs the scheduling story with the game itself, while the right puts the venue conflict and the fans' reaction first. ESPN's coverage centers on Stokes, while CNBC adds comments from Flavor Flav and Hillary Clinton.
How the sides differ Left sources split between the Game 5 recap and a scheduling explainer; right sources stress the Dream's open letter and fan reaction to the early start.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
The Guardian recaps Game 5, led by Stokes and Burton's defense and quotes from Burton, Stokes and Reese. NPR interviews AP's Doug Feinberg on why Game 6 is at midday.
ESPN credits Stokes and the Golden State defense for the 3-2 lead. CNBC covers the Dream's criticism of the weekday lunchtime start and comments from Flavor Flav and Hillary Clinton.
The New York Post leads with the Dream's open letter on the venue conflict and quotes it at length. Fox News covers the early tipoff, fan reaction, a Valkyries player's "call in sick" message and Kerr's plan to watch.