The Atlanta Dream battled back valiantly in the final minutes, but a clutch shot from Golden State’s Cecilia Zandalasini with just three seconds left sealed a 77–75 loss.
Atlanta dug themselves into a tough hole early. The Dream shot a chilly 4-of-14 overall and 1-of-8 from three in the opening quarter, yet trailed by just 20–16. By halftime, despite going 12-of-32 overall and 5-of-18 from deep—and committing just six turnovers to Golden State’s eight—they managed to knot the score 39–39 heading into the break.
The third quarter was costly, as the Valkyries controlled the pace and outscored Atlanta 30–17, forcing the Dream into a double-digit deficit entering the fourth.
But Atlanta refused to fold. In the fourth quarter, they tightened the screws defensively—holding Golden State to only eight points in the period. Allisha Gray knocked down a key three-pointer with 3:51 left to inch the Dream within one, 73–72, and Jordan Canada hit a big and‑one at 3:08 to take the lead. Canada finished with a team-high 21 points, and Coach Karl Smesko praised her effort: “She kept us in it.”
Despite Cecilia Zandalasini contributing 18 points off the bench and delivering the game-winner, the Dream had dominated the turnover battle 6 to 13, though shooting woes hurt their overall efficiency.
Final shooting percentages: Atlanta ended at 24-of-64 (37.5%), including 11-of-33 (33.3%) from three; Golden State shot 30-of-63 (47.6%) and 11-of-26 (42.3%) from deep.
Postgame, Canada was candid: “I think we were very lackadaisical on the defensive end.” And while Coach Smesko acknowledged that his team struggled with Golden State’s physicality: “They were shooting the ball exceptionally well. They are really physical on the ball screen.”
🗓 Dream’s Next Game
Atlanta (now 15–11) hits the road next to face the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET at College Park Center in Arlington, TX. The game will be aired on ESPN3
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