WNBA Finals Game 1: Gabby Williams' 26 Points Lift Valkyries Past Dream 68-64
What changed (Oct 17): Game 1 is in the books and it went to the home team — the first Finals game in Golden State's history is a win. Per the Valkyries' official recap: "The Valkyries remain unbeaten at Ballhalla in these playoffs, taking Game 1 of the WNBA Finals over the Atlanta Dream, 68-64, at Chase Center on Saturday. Golden State ended the game on a 7-0 run to clinch the win, with Gabby Williams scoring six of those points from the foul line."
Williams, scoreless in the first quarter, exploded for 16 points in the second — "tied for the third-most points in a quarter in WNBA Finals history." She finished with 26 points and a +16 in 33 minutes and was the only Valkyrie in double figures, but the defense carried the rest: Kiah Stokes tied a playoff career high with four blocks, Golden State won the boards 41-35 (12-7 on the offensive glass), and it held Allisha Gray to 19 points on 5-for-19 shooting and Rhyne Howard to 12 on 3-for-14. Angel Reese posted 14 points and 12 rebounds but went 0-for-5 from the field after an 11-point first quarter.
Game 2 is Monday at Chase Center (5 p.m. PT, USA/Peacock). A first-time champion is guaranteed either way.