Despite much-criticized early tipoff, Dream say WNBA Finals Game 6 against Valkyries is a sellout

Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between Atlanta and Golden State on Thursday is a sellout despite its much-criticized 12:30 p.m. EDT tipoff, the Dream announced Wednesday.The Valkyries lead the series 3-2 and can clinch their first WNBA title with a win in the matinee at State Farm Arena. The Dream need a win to force a Game 7 on Saturday night in California.There were concerns the early tipoff would have the teams playing the potentially decisive Finals game in a half-empty arena because of fans having work and school obligations. Instead, the sellout means another Atlanta turnout of approximately 17,000 is expected for the third time in the series.“I think it’s good,” Dream coach Karl Smesko said Wednesday. "I’m glad we’re at State Farm and they got everything worked out. Everybody understands it’s going to be an early start time. Hopefully the crowd gets there early and is ready to support us to a win.”The Dream played most of their regular-season home games at Gateway Center Arena, which