Dream Criticize WNBA Over Finals Game 6 Scheduling

The Atlanta Dream criticized the WNBA for failing to address scheduling conflicts they said they had raised months ago after Game 6 of the Finals was set for 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday at State Farm Arena, accommodating an Atlanta Hawks game. The weekday start creates work- and schoolday barriers for fans, including a 9:30 a.m. tipoff on the West Coast, although it allows the Dream to play in a larger venue than their regular-season arena. Atlanta’s owners said the time was not what they wanted, thanked the Hawks and arena staff for adjusting their schedules, and called for better planning and greater consideration of the Dream. Mayor Andre Dickens urged employers and educators to give fans flexibility, while Valkyries players and supporters encouraged Bay Area fans to watch. Golden State leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 after a 64-55 Game 5 win and can claim its first championship with a victory Thursday; an Atlanta win would force Game 7.