Full Breakdown
Atlanta Dream Endures Back-to-Back Defeats as Seattle Storm and Golden State Valkyries Secure Wins
6/28/2026, 1:13:00 PM
Back-to-Back Losses for the Atlanta Dream
On June 27 the Atlanta Dream suffered consecutive defeats, first falling 105-90 to the Seattle Storm and then losing a close 78-75 game to the Golden State Valkyries. The back-to-back results ended a four-game road stretch for the Dream.
Seattle Storm’s 105-90 Victory
The Storm (5-15) opened the night at Climate Pledge Arena, never trailing and holding Atlanta scoreless for the first 4½ minutes. Flau’jae Johnson posted 24 points and 11 rebounds; rookie Awa Fam contributed a career-high 21 points on 8-for-9 shooting, including 5 of 6 from three-point range. Dominique Malonga added 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Natisha Hiedeman scored 20 in the second half. Seattle’s defense limited the Dream to 90 points, and the home crowd of 13,643 remained on its feet throughout.
Golden State Valkyries’ 78-75 Victory
The Valkyries (12-7) secured a narrow win over Atlanta, highlighted by Gabby Williams’ 13-point fourth-quarter surge. Williams finished with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting. Kayla Thornton added 17 points, including 5 three-pointers. The Dream’s leading scorer, Rhyne Howard, was held to 9 points on 2-for-16 shooting. Golden State forced 12 first-half turnovers and limited Atlanta’s paint points.
Key Performers
- Flau’jae Johnson (Seattle) – 24 points, 11 rebounds
- Awa Fam (Seattle) – 21 points, 5-for-6 from three
- Gabby Williams (Golden State) – 23 points, decisive fourth-quarter run
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta) – 9 points, 2-for-16 shooting
- Dominique Malonga (Seattle) – 16 points, 11 rebounds
Data & Statistics
- Seattle Storm record: 5-15; Atlanta Dream record: reported as 12-7 (CBS) and 12-5 (ESPN)
- Golden State Valkyries record: 12-7; Dream’s lowest-scoring game of the season (66 points)
- Final scores: Seattle 105-90; Golden State 78-75
- Rebounds: Seattle 45, Golden State 38; Dream 38, 34 respectively
Official Statements & Responses
Seattle coach Sonia Raman said the young roster is becoming more battle-tested and that recent wins reflect growing chemistry and accountability. Johnson expressed gratitude for the loyal fanbase and confidence in the team’s process. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase highlighted Williams’ two-way development and praised the squad’s defensive adjustments. Williams attributed her fourth-quarter impact to fresh legs and depth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “no rain, no flowers” — Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm guard
- “It just made me emotional, like they really love us, and they know it’s a process, and it means so much that they spend their hard-earned money, and then their time,” — Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm guard
- “I told you guys day one, she’s one of the best two-way players in the world,” — Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries coach
- “I couldn’t lose on Pride night,” — Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries forward
- “For the Gays!” — Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries forward
On-the-Ground Reactions
Seattle fans remained on their feet, celebrating the second straight win. At the Valkyries’ Pride Night, Williams’ rally energized the arena, prompting repeated chants of “For the Gays!”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Dream’s record after the Storm game (12-7 vs. 12-5) and on the Valkyries-Dream game date (Wednesday night per CBS Sports, Friday night per Press Democrat). No official clarification is provided.
Why It Matters
The defeats tighten the Dream’s position in the league standings and underscore the Storm’s emerging competitiveness despite a losing record. The Valkyries’ win bolsters their push for a top-four seed, which would grant a home game in the first playoff round.
What’s Next
Seattle travels to Phoenix on Thursday (7-13). Golden State faces the New York Liberty on Sunday, while the Dream seeks to rebound against the Washington Mystics on Thursday.
