The Atlanta Dream travel to San Francisco for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night with the series level at 2-2 and the franchise two victories away from a first championship.
The Golden State Valkyries will host the decisive contest at Chase Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8pm Eastern time. Both teams are seeking their first WNBA title.
Atlanta’s hopes of making history were strengthened by victories in Games 2 and 3, but Golden State restored parity with a win in Game 4 at State Farm Arena on Saturday.
The Dream have appeared in the Finals three times previously, in 2010, 2011 and 2013, but were swept on each occasion. A victory in San Francisco would put them within one win of ending that run of disappointment.
Attention is also turning to Game 6, scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta, where the venue has yet to be confirmed. The NBA’s Atlanta Hawks are due to host the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena that evening, potentially ruling out the 17,000-seat arena for the WNBA contest.
The Dream, Valkyries, WNBA and NBA would have to reach an agreement for the game to be staged there. If that cannot be arranged, the match would move to the Dream’s regular home at Gateway Center Arena, which has capacity for about 3,500 spectators.
Atlanta supporters remained confident despite the setback in Game 4, while acknowledging that the team would need to improve its ball control and shooting from beyond the arc.
“We’re definitely going to win that and come back on Game 6, and that’s game. And then we’re ready for the parade,” Dream fan Crystal Crosby said.
The outcome of Game 5 will determine which side takes the lead in the best-of-seven series and moves one victory from becoming the newest champion in the WNBA.
