Drama in the WNBA Finals: Veronica Burton is clear about who is to blame for the Valkyries' stumble in Game 6

Veronica Burton didn't look for excuses after the Golden State Valkyries let a crucial opportunity slip away in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals.

The guard pointed directly to her team's defensive failures, calling the opening-quarter performance unacceptable after the Atlanta Dream secured an 80-69 victory to force a deciding Game 7.

Golden State entered Thursday's matchup with a 3-2 series advantage after consecutive defensive wins. The Valkyries had limited Atlanta to 62 points in Game 4 and just 55 in Game 5, moving within one victory of the franchise's first championship.

However, everything changed at State Farm Arena, where the Dream delivered an emphatic response.

Atlanta built a commanding 32-15 lead in the opening period, connecting on 11 of its first 15 field-goal attempts, including six three-pointers. The Dream carried a 46-26 advantage into halftime.

Golden State's inability to contain Atlanta from the opening minutes proved particularly disappointing for a team whose identity has been built around defensive discipline.

Burton made clear that responsibility rested with the players rather than the unusual midday start.

“They scored 32 points in the first quarter. That’s unacceptable on our end… Got to play better defense. Obviously, they’re hitting good shots and getting good looks. I think we were sped up a little bit, but we cleaned it up in the other quarters defensively. But can’t let that happen right out the gate. You need a sense of urgency. This is the WNBA Finals,” said Burton .

Valkyries must rediscover their defensive edge

The defeat was difficult for Burton personally, too. She finished with eight points on 2-of-13 shooting, alongside six rebounds and four assists.

A third-quarter flagrant foul, assessed after officials determined she made unnecessary contact with Rhyne Howard's face, added to her frustrating afternoon.

Head coach Natalie Nakase shared Burton's disappointment, describing the team's opening performance as unacceptable.

“I’m just trying to explain to you that we’re all right now not happy with how it started… And so I want to go back, give them their time right now to get their bodies right, get their mental right, get their nutrition right (and) let them just sit in it,” said Nakase .

Atlanta's leading players made the most of their opportunity. Allisha Gray scored a team-high 23 points, while Howard added 21. Angel Reese also delivered an impressive performance, recording 15 points and 14 rebounds to help the Dream keep their championship hopes alive.

Despite the disappointing result, Golden State found some positives. After trailing by as many as 25 points, the Valkyries fought back and outscored Atlanta in both second-half quarters.

They also won the rebounding battle 36-35 and committed fewer turnovers, demonstrating that they hadn't completely lost their competitive edge.

Now, everything comes down to Game 7 in San Francisco. The Valkyries must rediscover the defensive intensity that helped them take control of the series if they want to claim the title on home court.