Gabby Williams converted two free throws with 1:18 left to put Golden State ahead, two more with 4.1 seconds to go and finished with 26 points facing constant pressure from Atlanta's stingy defence, and the Valkyries held off the Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday.

Williams scored 16 of her points in the second quarter and no other Valkyries reached double figures as they shot 32.1% and 7 of 33 from 3-point range.

Rhyne Howard missed a 3-point try with 1:09 left, but Angel Reese made a steal moments later. Naz Hillmon missed from deep, Kiah Stokes missed the first of two free throws with 23.8 seconds left, and Allisha Gray misfired on a 3 with 9 seconds left.

Williams then hit the free throws a few seconds later to seal the victory.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night back at Chase Center, where the ear-piercing noise from a raucous “Ballhalla” crowd made for the exact hostile environment Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase requested from the home fans.

One of these two franchises will capture its first championship, and if the first game is any indication, it’s going to be an all-out defensive fight.

Gray returned from injury to score 19 points and Reese added 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Jordin Canada contributed eight points, seven assists and five rebounds for the Dream, hitting a timely 13-foot jumper with 4:23 remaining.

 

GAME WON. ☝️ SAY IT WITH US, VALKS WIN! 🗣️ @Chase Freedom https://t.co/SvzNeVMXoE

— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) October 17, 2026