WNBA showdown: Dream visit Valkyries in East vs. West battle
Atlanta’s 12-5 record meets Golden State’s 11-7 mark in a marquee interconference test featuring Rhyne Howard’s scoring surge and playoff implications.
Atlanta’s 12-5 record meets Golden State’s 11-7 mark in a marquee interconference test featuring Rhyne Howard’s scoring surge and playoff implications.
The Atlanta Dream, fresh off a 23-point explosion from Rhyne Howard, roll into Golden State riding a 12-5 record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Golden State Valkyries, meanwhile, sit at 11-7 in the West, leveraging home-court advantage in Oakland as they prepare for a mid-season collision with one of the league’s hottest teams. This interconference tilt isn’t just another game—it’s a direct playoff-style test between two contenders separated by less than a game in the standings.
3 points per game while ranking second in the league in field-goal percentage. Howard’s 23-point outburst against Dallas last week underscored her All-WNBA form, but the Dream’s depth—led by Aari McDonald and Cheyenne Parker—has been the engine behind their surge. On the other side, Golden State’s defense, anchored by Brittney Griner’s shot-blocking presence, has kept them in every contest, even when the offense stalls.
The matchup is the first of two scheduled interconference games for both teams this season, with the Valkyries holding a 3-1 edge in the all-time series. Golden State’s home record of 7-3 at the Oakland Arena adds another layer of pressure for Atlanta, which has yet to win on the road against a West opponent this year. This game carries extra weight because both teams are built for playoff basketball.
Atlanta’s efficiency—top-5 in assist-to-turnover ratio—mirrors Golden State’s disciplined half-court sets, which rank sixth in offensive rating. The Dream’s ability to exploit mismatches with Howard and McDonald contrasts with the Valkyries’ reliance on Griner’s two-way dominance, creating a chess match of matchups. Golden State’s bench production has been a quiet strength, with players like Haley Jones and Kristine Anigwe providing critical minutes.
Meanwhile, Atlanta’s frontcourt depth with Parker and Elizabeth Balogun has allowed Wright to rotate freely without sacrificing intensity. The game’s tempo will likely hinge on which team can impose its style—Atlanta’s transition-heavy attack or Golden State’s methodical half-court execution. Atlanta’s recent surge aligns with a league-wide shift toward faster, more efficient offenses.
The Dream rank third in fast-break points per game, a trend that has disrupted opponents accustomed to slower, more deliberate systems. This style has been particularly effective against West teams, where Golden State’s half-court sets often struggle to contain quick transitions. 2% in their last five games.
The Valkyries’ ability to slow the pace could neutralize Atlanta’s transition game, forcing the Dream into half-court sets where Griner’s rim protection becomes a deciding factor. The matchup’s outcome may hinge on which team dictates the game’s flow—Atlanta’s up-tempo approach or Golden State’s controlled, methodical style. Atlanta head coach Tanisha Wright called the game “a measuring stick” for her team’s championship aspirations.
“We know what’s at stake here,” Wright said. ” Golden State forward Kelsey Mitchell echoed the stakes, framing the game as a chance to prove the West’s parity. “Every team in this league can beat you on any given night,” Mitchell said.
” What’s next: The loser of this game risks falling behind in the playoff race, while the winner secures a tiebreaker advantage and psychological momentum. Both teams have another interconference game later in the season, but this matchup could set the tone for seeding battles down the stretch. The game’s outcome may also influence the league’s narrative on parity, with Golden State aiming to dispel the East’s perceived dominance after last season’s Finals run. Read at ESPN
This isn’t just another WNBA regular-season game—it’s a playoff-style preview that could redefine the league’s power structure. With both teams in the hunt for top seeds and championship contention, the winner gains momentum while the loser faces a tougher path to the postseason. For fans, it’s a rare East vs. West clash that doubles as a litmus test for title readiness. The game’s outcome may also influence the league’s narrative around parity, with Golden State aiming to dispel the East’s perceived dominance after last season’s Finals run. The matchup underscores a broader league trend: teams that can blend efficiency with adaptability are separating themselves from the pack, making this a must-watch for title watchers.
ESPNespn.comJun 25, 6:10 AMen
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