The Atlanta Dream enter Monday’s WNBA Finals Game 2 looking to contain Gabby Williams and recover from a fourth-quarter collapse, according to an Associated Press preview.
Golden State leads the best-of-seven series 1–0 after a 68–64 opening victory. Atlanta’s immediate challenge is turning its preparations into sustained execution against the Valkyries’ defense.
The AP report carried by Atlanta News First highlighted Williams’ 26-point opener, including 16 second-quarter points after four initial misses.
She was Golden State’s only double-figure scorer. The Valkyries won despite shooting 32.1% overall and making seven of 33 attempts from beyond the arc in the opener.
Atlanta’s late offense was the more immediate concern for coach Karl Smesko. The Dream made only two of 19 shots in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s defeat.
Smesko emphasized maintaining their approach for all four quarters, creating advantages together and improving communication. His assessment focused on execution rather than treating the home crowd as an excuse.
Williams described easing late-game pressure by counting possessions and points, breaking the situation into smaller decisions.
Atlanta swept its first two series to reach its fourth Finals. The franchise still awaits its first championship-round victory.
Monday’s matchup also comes with expanded television coverage. Front Office Sports reported that E! and USA Network will simulcast a one-hour arrivals special beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
Live from the Orange Carpet precedes USA’s 7 p.m. pregame coverage, with Game 2 tipping off at 8 p.m. ET.
Lilly Singh, who joined the Toronto Tempo ownership group in 2025, will host the special.
The panel features Wanda Sykes, Tina Thompson and player stylist Brittany Hampton. The format adds entertainment-focused coverage before the basketball broadcast.
This marks E!’s first arrivals program outside traditional entertainment events. The WNBA introduced its orange carpet at All-Star Weekend in 2022.
Singh told the outlet she wants to highlight players’ personalities, culture and fashion. She described the additional programming as evidence of how the league’s presentation is evolving.
Versant executive Christian McLaughlin said planning began before the Finals matchup was determined. The special therefore was not devised only after Golden State and Atlanta secured their places.
E! and USA Network are both owned by Versant. McLaughlin told the outlet that further crossover programming would depend on finding suitable moments across the company’s portfolio.
The broadcast schedule creates a two-hour runway to tipoff, separating the arrivals special from the basketball pregame. Viewers can follow the presentation before the series resumes on court.
