Madina Okot on brink of WNBA history as Atlanta Dream force Finals Game 7

Madina Okot on brink of WNBA history as Atlanta Dream force Finals Game 7 - Kenyan basketball player Madina Okot. (Photo: Courtesy)

Atlanta reignited its title hopes with Thursday night's victory before a sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena, levelling the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and setting up a winner-takes-all showdown in San Francisco on Saturday.

Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot is one victory away from becoming the first Kenyan to win a WNBA championship after her Atlanta Dream side defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 to force a decisive Game 7 in the Finals.

Atlanta reignited its title hopes with Thursday night's victory before a sold-out crowd at State Farm Arena, levelling the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and setting up a winner-takes-all showdown in San Francisco on Saturday.

The victory gives Okot a chance to make history with the Dream, who are chasing their first WNBA championship. Golden State are also seeking a maiden title, setting the stage for a historic finale.

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For Okot, the prospect of winning a WNBA title caps a remarkable rise from Mumias in western Kenya to the pinnacle of women's professional basketball. The 6-foot-6 centre began her sporting career in volleyball before switching to basketball in 2020. She caught the attention of American college scouts while representing Kenya in 3x3 basketball at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Kenyan basketball player Madina Okot poses for a selfie with President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto in September 2026. (Photo: Courtesy)

Her path to the United States was not without challenges, having faced four visa rejections before eventually securing an opportunity to play college basketball. She went on to feature for Mississippi State and South Carolina before Atlanta selected her 13th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, making her the highest-drafted Kenyan in the league's history.

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Atlanta dominated the opening quarter on Thursday, using a 13-0 scoring run to build a commanding 32-15 lead. The Dream extended their advantage to 46-26 by halftime and remained in control through the third quarter, carrying a 63-47 cushion into the final period.

Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 23 points, while Rhyne Howard added 21 and Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds. Gray also drained five three-pointers, including a crucial late basket after Golden State had cut the deficit to eight points.

The result gives Atlanta another opportunity to secure its first WNBA title, with head coach Karl Smesko urging his players to maintain the same intensity in the championship decider.

“We know the job is not done. We've got a great opportunity, and we expect to go out there and play great,” Smesko said after the victory.