Valkyries edge Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals as Gabby Williams scores 26
Golden State won the first Finals game in franchise history. Both the second-year Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream are chasing a first-ever title.
At a glance
- The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on October 17.
- Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter.
- Atlanta went 2-for-18 from the field in the fourth quarter; the loss ended the Dream's 10-game winning streak.
- Both teams are seeking their first WNBA championship.
The Golden State Valkyries drew first blood in a WNBA Finals that will crown a first-time champion, beating the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in a gritty Game 1 at their home arena on Saturday, October 17.
Williams takes over
Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points. After a scoreless first quarter, she exploded for 16 in the second to pull Golden State out of an early hole and into a half-time lead. With four seconds left, she was fouled and calmly made both free throws to seal a four-point win.
Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 19 points but did not score in the fourth quarter, when the Dream went just 2-for-18 from the field. Golden State turned 12 Atlanta turnovers into 17 points and finished with 10 blocks — five from centre Kiah Stokes — and seven steals.
A defensive battle
It was the defensive struggle many expected between two of the league's best defences. Both teams shot about 32% from the field; Golden State made only 7 of 33 three-pointers, and Atlanta shot 16% from deep. There were injury worries late on, as Tiffany Hayes left after a fall and Williams appeared to hurt her knee.
The defeat ended Atlanta's 10-game winning streak, and the Dream have still never won a WNBA Finals game.
History either way
Both franchises are chasing a first title. The Valkyries, coached by Natalie Nakase in only their second season, swept the Las Vegas Aces in the semi-finals. Karl Smesko's Dream swept the defending champion New York Liberty.
Game 2 is on Monday, October 19, with the best-of-seven series scheduled to run until October 31 at the latest.
Questions people are asking
Who is in the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream. The Valkyries swept the Las Vegas Aces and the Dream swept the New York Liberty to get there.
When is WNBA Finals Game 2?
Monday, October 19, 2026 (US time). The series can run until October 31.
How we verified this story
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