Adrenaline might suffice for the fans of the Golden State Valkyries, as they face an early wake-up for Game 6 of the WNBA Finals. The game begins at 9:30 a.m. Pacific time in Atlanta, an unusual hour for such a pivotal match.
During Monday’s Game 5 against the Atlanta Dream, both teams left the floor for the national anthem, a practice consistent throughout the series. The Chase Center in San Francisco was filled with avid fans wearing lavender T-shirts, who eagerly supported their team to a 64-55 victory. This win gave the Valkyries a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Anticipated Game 6
Game 6, scheduled for Thursday, presents a potential title-clinching opportunity for the Valkyries. Fans have mixed reactions to the early game time. Some are taking the day off work to watch, while others express disappointment due to the difficulty of attending with family commitments. Retirees and some fans plan to watch from home or on their devices at work.
Scheduling Challenges and Arena Logistics
The early start time for Game 6 in Atlanta results from venue conflicts at State Farm Arena. Typically, the Dream plays at Gateway Center Arena, but the WNBA Finals prompted a shift to the larger State Farm Arena. With the NBA season underway and a Hawks home game scheduled, the early game time emerged as a necessary compromise.
National Anthem Walkout Controversy
The national anthem walkout has sparked a debate, yet seems less concerning to Bay Area fans compared to the scheduling. Several fans expressed that participation during the anthem should be a personal choice. A female fan, retired military herself, noted that she and her husband honor the flag but respect the players’ choice to prepare for the game in their way.
The WNBA rulebook suggests players stand respectfully during the anthem. However, enforcement of the rule has lapsed since 2017. This has allowed players to maintain their current practices without league intervention.
Game 5 Highlights
Golden State’s balanced offensive approach in Game 5 included key contributions from Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton with 13 points each. Tiffany Hayes and Cecilla Zandalasini added 12 points each. Despite a challenging game for Atlanta’s Angel Reese, who managed seven points and 15 rebounds, teammate Rhyne Howard led all scorers with 20 points.
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