It’s a historic night in the WNBA, and Atlanta has one more reason to celebrate. The Dream are playing their first Game 7 in Finals history, with a championship on the line against the Golden State Valkyries. Fans across the basketball world are picking sides, and one former NBA champion has already made his allegiance clear. Dwight Howard is backing his hometown team.

“Lets go ATL DREAM. yall watching? who yall got winning the WNBA FINALS,” Howard posted on X.

Howard’s support comes with a personal connection to the city. Born and raised in Atlanta, he attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy before the Orlando Magic selected him first overall in the 2004 NBA Draft straight out of high school. 

He eventually returned home in 2016, signing a three-year, $70.5 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks. However, his hometown stint lasted just one season before the team traded him to Charlotte.

His connection to Atlanta’s basketball scene also extends beyond his playing career. In 2024, Howard revealed on his podcast that he had once considered buying the Atlanta Dream. He even wanted his two daughters to play for the team one day. However, he claimed that $7 million was taken from him by people he trusted, and the plan eventually fell apart.

While Howard made his support public, the Dream were giving Atlanta fans something to cheer about on the court. The Dream won the second quarter 18-10 to take a 30-24 halftime lead. Jordin Canada contributed to Atlanta’s scoring run, while Angel Reese knocked down a three-pointer.

The Valkyries still have time to respond, but the halftime trend favors Atlanta. The team leading at halftime had won all six previous games in the series.

Dream And Valkyries Meet In The First Game 7 In WNBA Finals History

The historic matchup is happening because the WNBA Finals only became a best-of-seven series last year. That series ended in a sweep, meaning this is the first time the championship has gone the distance. Both teams are also chasing their first title. 

The Valkyries are in just their second season, while the Dream are making their first Finals appearance since 2013. Atlanta lost all three of its previous Finals appearances and finally secured its first-ever Finals win in Game 2 this year.

The Dream forced a deciding Game 7 with a strong performance in Game 6 at State Farm Arena. They knocked down 13 three-pointers, built a 25-point lead, and eventually won 80-69, despite an unusual 12:30 p.m. tip-off. “We fed off their energy,” Angel Reese said of the home crowd.

The series has followed a clear pattern. Golden State won Games 1, 4 and 5 by holding Atlanta to 64, 62 and 55 points. The Dream took Games 2, 3 and 6 by scoring 79, 97 and 80.

Atlanta’s shooting could prove decisive again. The Dream connected on 13 threes in Game 6, while making just 14 across their three losses. Allisha Gray led the charge with 23 points despite battling a hand injury. Turnovers and Reese’s aggression will also matter. Atlanta forced at least 11 turnovers from the Valkyries in each of its three wins, including 11 in Game 6.

Golden State, meanwhile, will look to lean on its defense and home-court advantage. The Valkyries have beaten Atlanta every time the Dream have been held below 65 points, while Gabby Williams is averaging 20.3 points in the playoffs.

For Howard, the stakes are personal in a different way. He has already made it clear which side he wants to see lift the trophy. Now, his hometown team has a chance to give Atlanta its first WNBA championship.