From expansion team to champions
SAN FRANCISCO — Two seasons. One winner-take-all game. And a championship that now belongs to the Golden State Valkyries.
Gabby Williams scored 30 points as the Valkyries held off the Atlanta Dream 68–63 on Saturday night at Chase Center, winning the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history and capturing the franchise’s first title. The victory gave Golden State the best-of-seven series, 4–3. Associated Press
The league introduced a best-of-seven Finals in 2025. A year later, the Valkyries and Dream pushed the format to its limit — and kept the outcome in doubt until the final seconds. Golden State Valkyries
Williams answers when it matters
Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard tied the game at 57 with 2:41 remaining. Williams responded with a 3-pointer, then added two free throws with 1:40 left. Kiah Stokes later scored inside, helping Golden State maintain its edge.
The Dream were still within reach after Allisha Gray made two free throws with 11 seconds remaining. Atlanta forced a jump ball, but Veronica Burton secured possession and made two free throws with 5.1 seconds left, according to the AP’s game report.
Williams had already scored Golden State’s final 11 points of the third quarter. Stokes finished with 13 rebounds and two blocks. For Atlanta, Jordin Canada scored 18, Gray added 16, and Angel Reese had eight points and 12 rebounds.
It was the kind of ending that leaves no time for a comfortable celebration. Then the clock ran out, and the crowd at the Valkyries’ home arena had its answer.
