Williams Leads Valkyries to Game 1 Finals Win Over Dream

Williams powers Golden State in Game 1

Gabby Williams carried the offense on Saturday night as the Golden State Valkyries took Game 1 of the WNBA Finals with a 68-64 win over the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center. Williams scored 26 points despite tough defensive pressure from Atlanta. She was the only player on her team to score in double figures.

Williams poured in 16 of her points during a big second quarter. The rest of the Golden State offense struggled, shooting just 32.1% from the field and 7 of 33 from three-point range. Still, her play gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about in San Francisco.

Late drama settles the opener

Atlanta kept the game tight until the final seconds. Williams broke a late tie by knocking down two free throws with 1:18 remaining. Atlanta had chances to respond, but Rhyne Howard missed a three-pointer with 1:09 on the clock.

Angel Reese grabbed a steal shortly after, but Naz Hillmon missed another shot from deep. Kiah Stokes then missed the first of two free throw attempts with 23.8 seconds to go, giving the Dream another chance. Allisha Gray missed a three-pointer with 9 seconds left before Williams sank two final free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

After the game, fans chanted her name as she spoke on the microphone. "We always knew we were going to find a way somehow," Williams said. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase got the loud home environment she requested from the Chase Center crowd, setting the stage for Game 2 on Monday night.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Tue, 20 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 52%, Atlanta Dream win 48%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 77, Atlanta Dream 75. Our safest pick: Dream +9.5.

Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream (WNBA, Thu, 22 Oct): Atlanta Dream win 47%, Golden State Valkyries win 53%; projected score Atlanta Dream 83, Golden State Valkyries 84. Our safest pick: Valkyries +6.5.