SAN FRANCISCO — The Atlanta Dream had a seven-point lead with 8:49 to play in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. They proceeded to score 6 points the remainder of the way, falling behind 1-0 in the best-of-seven series that resumes Monday night at Golden State.
The Dream boast three all-defense selections, headlined by Angel Reese, this season's Defensive Player of the Year. Despite coach Karl Smesko's postgame lamentations about their defensive breakdowns during the second quarter when the Valkyries scored 28 points, Atlanta was more than good enough defensively to steal homecourt in the finals. In order to head back home tied in the series, the Dream have to score the ball better. That starts with Reese.
Atlanta built an 8-point lead in the first quarter with Reese scoring 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field. She ended the game with 14 points and didn't make another field goal, attempting only two shots in the second half.
"In the second half, in particular, we didn't move the ball well enough," Smesko said. "We did a little bit too much one-on-one instead of getting into actions. Angel had a great first half. We didn't get her the ball enough."
Movement and pace are key to unlocking Reese's offensive gifts, and the Dream were too slow and stagnant in Game 1 to take advantage of those skills.

#atlanta #points #reese #ball

SAN FRANCISCO — After dropping Game 1 of the WNBA Finals to the No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries, the No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream find themselves is unfamiliar territory heading into Game 2 on Monday, Oct. 19.
The Valkyries overcame a nine-point deficit to secure a 68-64 win and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Valkyries' victory snapped the Dream's 10-game win streak dating back to the regular season. It was Atlanta's first loss of the postseason and first defeat since Aug. 28.
"Unfortunately, we had kind of one bad defensive quarter where we had a few breakdowns and then one bad offensive quarter in the fourth," Dream head coach Karl Smesko said. "Now we're just going to have to watch film, make some adjustments and come out as hard as we possibly can, because we obviously want to leave here winning Game 2."
The film from Game 1 shows the Dream conceding 17 points off 12 turnovers, all while shooting 33% from the field and 16% from the 3-point line. Allisha Gray finished with a team-high 19 points and six rebounds in her first game back in the lineup after a left hand injury and "minor procedure" sidelined her two playoff games. Angel Reese recorded 14 points in the first half, but was held scoreless the second half.
"I wasn't aggressive enough with the ball and trying to ... get to my spot," said Reese, who pointed to self-inflicted wounds as the difference in the game. "I think it was all things that we did."

#dream

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran EdsonBarboza has made it clear that his retirement is final and hehas no plans to reverse his decision.

Just days after announcing the end of his 17-year professionalmixed martial arts career, the Brazilian has a message for managersand promoters who might try to entice him back intocompetition.
Barboza announced his retirement after suffering a fourthconsecutive defeat, getting finished by EstebanRibovics at UFC330 in Philadelphia. The 39-year-old then removed his glovesinside the Octagon as the crowd gave him a standing ovation andchanted his name.

For Barboza, having his children beside him made the momentparticularly emotional.

"The entire arena spontaneously chanting 'Barboza,' with my kids bymy side inside the Octagon — they had never been to one of myfights before," Barboza told Sherdog. "Definitely, that was themost emotional moment of my career."

Barboza said age wasn't the primary factor behind his decision.Instead, a severe left-eye injury suffered against LeroneMurphy proved to be the turning point. He emphasized that hecan still beat many fighters but acknowledged that competing at thehighest level is no longer realistic for him. Barboza then made hismessage to potential suitors clear.

"Managers, event promoters, please leave me alone. Don't offer meany fights," he said.

After dedicating his life to combat sports since childhood, Barbozaknows walking away will be an adjustment. However, retirement doesnot mean leaving the sport behind.

"Over these 32 years, I've had the opportunity to train with dozensof coaches from all over the world, and they taught me so much,"Barboza added. "Keeping all that knowledge to myself would beunfair, so I definitely want to pass it on."

#barboza

Affinia, the UK-based integrated accounting and advisory group backed by RedBird Capital Partners, has added Wilson Partners, a Fordhouse-backed financial advisory and accounting firm.
Wilson Partners advises SMEs, private individuals and private equity investors across the UK.
According to Affinia, the merger "further strengthens" its position in the UK accounting sector, by adding sector expertise and specialist advisory capabilities especially in the international ultra-high-net-worth category.
Affinia Group CEO Darren Redmayne said: "From the very beginning, our goal has been to build a new kind of accounting services firm that leads with purpose, invests in its people and embraces technology responsibly.
"Wilson Partners shares that philosophy, joining with an outstanding reputation for exceptional client service, entrepreneurial thinking and a people-first culture.

#private

BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL) is one of the 10 Best Stocks to Buy in Glen Kacher's Light Street Portfolio.
On June 22, 2026, TD Cowen initiated coverage of BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL) with a Buy rating. The firm has set a price target of $43 on the stock. According to TD Cowen's research note, the firm views the company as a leading vendor of accounting management solutions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and expense management for small businesses. Pointing out that improving fundamentals and execution warrant multiple expansion, the firm expects a steadier upward momentum for the shares. TD Cowen believes these positive factors will overcome muted investor sentiment following a 40% year-to-date decline.
In contrast, earlier this month, on June 10, 2026, Truist downgraded the rating on BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL) from Buy to Hold. The firm held a price target of $35 on the stock, down from $45. Truist believes that an acquisition of BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL) is increasingly unlikely due to AI-driven uncertainty. The ***** yst notes its positive catalyst path is less clear, with core revenue growth likely to decline to low-teens next year during intensifying competition.
Founded in 2006, BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL) is a leading provider of cloud-based software that automates financial operations for small and midsize businesses (SMEs). Headquartered in California, the company's platform streamlines accounts payable, accounts receivable, and spend management.
While we acknowledge the potential of BILL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WTW) is one of the 10 Most Undervalued NASDAQ Stocks to Buy Right Now. On July 1, Willis, a WTW business, announced the expansion of its CyMax Facility, a cyber insurance solution tailored for SMEs and middle-market companies across the EMEA region. Developed in partnership with insurers including AXA XL, Beazley, HDI Global, and Markel, the facility provides broader capacity, higher limits, and faster execution to address complex risks like ransomware, data breaches, and supply chain disruptions.
The updated offering streamlines the insurance process for brokers and clients through a simplified one-page application form and pre-agreed pricing grids, which significantly reduce administrative friction. The facility utilizes Willis Towers Watson's (NASDAQ:WTW) proprietary wording (fully aligned with regulatory standards such as GDPR, NIS2, and DORA) to provide comprehensive financial protection, including coverage for business interruption and evolving threats such as social engineering and invoice manipulation.
Photo by Jefferson Santos on Unsplash
Beyond financial coverage, the facility provides clients with access to specialized cyber expertise and pre- and post-breach services, including threat intelligence and crisis exercises. By shifting to a panel-based capacity model and offering more inclusive eligibility for companies with varying security controls, Willis aims to enhance cyber resilience and accessibility for businesses operating within a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WTW) provides advisory, broking, and risk solutions. The company's service offerings include actuarial support, broking, strategy consulting, and plan management support. It also offers administrative support for life, medical, disability, voluntary, and other benefit programs.

On a night where the main storyline was Brittney Griner’s first game against her former side, the Atlanta Dream, Angel Reese decided it was her time to shine and prove to everybody that she’s the worthy replacement for the 10-time WNBA All-Star.
As the Connecticut Sun led the game by four points with just a minute left in the third quarter, Atlanta needed someone to step up to prevent them from crumbling down.
Looking to prove that she’s been brought in by the Dream for this particular moment, Reese steadied herself from the three-point line and decided it’s time for her to shine. She received a pass from Jordin Canada and decided to take the three-pointer. To the surprise of everybody inside The Gateway Center Arena, Reese sank the shot, sending everybody into a frenzy.
Following her three-pointer, the Dream went on a 7-0 run and finished the third quarter with a three-point advantage. They used that momentum to extend the run to 10-0 to start the fourth quarter and never looked back as they cruised to a 91-75 win.
After the game, Dream head coach Karl Smesko peppered Reese with praise.

PEMEX has cleared 60% of its supplier debt, starting with small businesses in Campeche and Tabasco.
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#PEMEX #SupplierPayments #EnergyNews #ClaudiaSheinbaum #OilAndGas #SMEs #Transparency