Gabby Williams scored 30 points to lead the Golden State Valkyries to their first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The victory capped the longest WNBA Finals series in league history, as the second-year expansion team triumphed four games to three.
Williams, who was named Finals Most Valuable Player, struggled early with just two points in the first half but dominated the second half, setting a WNBA Finals one-half record with 28 points. Her scoring included the final 11 points of the third quarter and key baskets in the waning minutes that helped Golden State pull ahead. Notably, she sank a critical three-pointer with 2:19 remaining to give the Valkyries a 60-57 lead and converted two late free throws to extend the margin. Kiah Stokes, a four-time WNBA champion, added pivotal rebounds and a put-back basket in the closing moments in support of the team’s defense and rebounding efforts.
Coach Natalie Nakase has praised Williams’ patience and composure, telling her at halftime that the game would open up. Williams credited the team’s culture and resilience for the championship, emphasizing the collective effort over individual scoring. “All we heard last year was we don’t have no stars, we don’t have no talent,” Williams said. “We got winners. We got people who are ready to put their bodies on the floor to win a game.”
The Dream, competing in their fourth WNBA Finals appearance, fought fiercely but were unable to overcome the Valkyries in the final moments. Atlanta led 30-24 at halftime after a strong second-quarter run but saw the Valkyries rally with a 17-7 third-quarter surge to take a 45-44 lead entering the final period. Key contributors for the Dream included Jordin Canada with 18 points, Allisha Gray with 16 points—who hit crucial free throws late—and Angel Reese, who recorded eight points and 12 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Dream fell short once again in pursuit of their first championship in the team’s 18-year history.
The sellout crowd of over 18,000 at Chase Center created an electric atmosphere as the Valkyries secured their historic title alongside the Golden State Warriors’ NBA championship in 2022. Team co-owner Peter Guber expressed enthusiasm about the victory and hinted at further ambitions for the franchise.
Golden State’s victory marked a milestone for the young franchise, which has quickly built a close-knit culture emphasizing defense, teamwork, and perseverance. Williams, who had previously played internationally and joined the team from Seattle, now stands as a postseason icon within the league. The Valkyries’ success underscores the growing competitiveness and excitement surrounding the WNBA as it continues to develop and captivate fans nationwide.