The Golden State Valkyries claimed a tense 68-64 victory over the Atlanta Dream in the opening game of the WNBA Finals, driven by a dominant performance from Gabby Williams. The French forward posted a game-high 26 points, including four critical free throws in the final 78 seconds that ultimately decided the contest. I’m definitely going to do a better job of that next game.”.
Williams, who finished as the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year, served as the primary engine for the Valkyries’ offense on a night when the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm.
After a scoreless first quarter, she found her stride, scoring 16 points in the second frame. She attributed the turnaround to the team finding their collective energy, noting, “Once we all started having fun and the excitement got out, we started to kind of find our way.” Going scoreless in the first quarter as the Valkyries got off to a tentative start in front of a raucous crowd at Chase Center, the French star took some time to warm up.
Despite a tough shooting performance throughout the night, the Valkyries leaned on their league-leading defense to maintain control. “There was a lid on that basket tonight, but that’s why we rely on our defence,” Williams explained. The team has consistently emphasized defensive discipline all season, allowing significantly fewer points than any other franchise in the league. “It came down to getting stops and that’s been our bread-and-butter all year,” noted Williams, whose team has allowed 335 fewer points than any other in the WNBA this season. “That’s why we harp on it so much, because w.
The momentum shifted decisively in the final minute. Golden State trailed by one point with 1:18 remaining when Williams grabbed a crucial rebound following a missed shot by Allisha Gray. After being fouled by Angel Reese, Williams successfully sank two free throws to put the Valkyries up 65-64, later adding another pair with just 4.1 seconds left to ice the game.
Atlanta’s struggles in the fourth quarter proved fatal. The Dream managed only eight points in the final frame and failed to record a single basket in the last 10 minutes. Allisha Gray, who returned from a hand injury to score 19 points, was held scoreless in the final period. Meanwhile, Angel Reese contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Rhyne Howard added 12 points for the visitors.
Reflecting on the loss, Reese suggested the lack of offensive output late in the game fell on her own shoulders. “I don’t think they really did anything. Maybe that was just on me; I wasn’t aggressive enough with the ball,” she admitted.
Both franchises are competing for their first WNBA title. The Dream, who have made three previous Finals appearances without a win, last reached this stage in 2013. The Valkyries, now in their second season, are looking to build on their historic inaugural playoff run. The teams will meet for Game 2 on Monday at the Chase Center. Most recently in 2013, the Dream have come up empty in three prior trips to the Finals.
