Gabby Williams Scores 26 as Valkyries Rally Past Dream in WNBA Finals Game 1

Gabby Williams delivered when the Golden State Valkyries needed her most Saturday, scoring 26 points and making four crucial free throws in the final 1:18 to secure a 68-64 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Golden State overcame a slow start and poor shooting night to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series at Chase Center. Williams scored 16 points in the second quarter and ultimately accounted for nearly 40 percent of the Valkyries’ offense.

The finish belonged to Golden State’s defense. Atlanta went scoreless over the final 3:12 and managed only eight fourth-quarter points while shooting 2-for-19 in the period. Allisha Gray returned from her injured left ring finger and led Atlanta with 19 points, while Angel Reese posted 14 points and 12 rebounds. Golden State shot just 32.1 percent overall and 7-for-33 from three, yet still found a way to win.

That makes Game 1 more revealing than the box score suggests. The Valkyries proved they can survive an ugly offensive night because their defense travels possession to possession, while Williams showed she can become the closer in championship moments. Atlanta had control for long stretches, but its late offensive collapse turned a winnable road game into an early series deficit. Game 2 is Monday night in San Francisco.