The WNBA Finals have featured plenty of physical basketball, but one matchup has repeatedly found itself at the center of the conversation. Just days after a controversial no-call involving Veronica Burton and Rhyne Howard drew criticism from Atlanta’s side, the two guards were once again involved in a sequence that quickly grabbed attention during Game 6.
The backdrop only added to the intrigue. Officiating had already become a major talking point throughout the series, with players, coaches, and fans from both teams questioning calls and non-calls at various points. That context made another Burton-Howard collision impossible to ignore when it unfolded in the third quarter. This time, however, officials saw things differently.
With 7:25 remaining in the third quarter, Allisha Gray stole a Tiffany Hayes pass and raced down the floor with Burton and Hayes in pursuit. Gray then found Howard near the basket, but as the Dream star went up for a layup attempt, Burton made contact from behind.
Howard immediately crumpled to the floor, with her face appearing to hit the court on the fall. She remained down for a brief period, visibly in pain, as Dream players and staff rushed to her side. Teammates surrounded Howard and used towels to shield her while she received attention from trainers.
Replay reviews showed Burton making contact with Howard’s face on the play. According to ESPN’s broadcast, officials determined that Burton committed an unnecessary windup and made contact to Howard’s face while she was driving to the basket. Following the review, Burton was assessed a flagrant foul.
The sequence carried extra significance because of what happened in Game 5. During that contest, Burton was also involved in contact with Howard that left many Dream supporters frustrated after no foul was called. Atlanta’s complaints about officiating grew louder after the game, including comments from Angel Reese and head coach Karl Smesko.
“A lot of us are getting fouled, and they’re not calling it or we’re talking to the ref after and they’re saying, ‘Oh, we’ll get you next time,'” Reese said.
Unlike Game 5, officials reviewed the Game 6 contact and ruled in Atlanta’s favor. The flagrant foul awarded Howard two free throws and possession, and the Dream guard returned to her feet before calmly converting both attempts from the foul line.
If there were any lingering effects from the collision, they certainly didn’t show in Howard’s performance.
With a sold-out State Farm Arena behind her despite the unusual 12:30 p.m. ET start time, Howard delivered one of her best games of the Finals. The Dream star finished with 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, while also recording four rebounds and four assists.
Burton, meanwhile, endured a difficult shooting night. The Valkyries guard finished with eight points on 2-of-13 shooting while adding six rebounds and four assists.
Howard’s performance ultimately helped Atlanta extend the series and create even more anticipation around the Finals’ conclusion.
Game 7 now awaits at Ballhalla, marking the first winner-take-all Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. The Dream and Valkyries will meet one final time with a championship on the line, bringing an end to a series that has been defined by physical battles, officiating debates, and standout performances from both sides.