The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68–64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Gabby Williams scored 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter. She was the only Golden State player to score at least ten points. Her team won despite making just 32.1 per cent of its shots and only seven of 33 attempts from three-point range.
Williams put Golden State ahead with two free throws, shots taken without a defender blocking them, with one minute and 18 seconds remaining. Atlanta then missed several chances to score. Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Allisha Gray all missed three-point attempts during the closing stages. Williams made two more free throws with 4.1 seconds left to secure the victory.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Monday night at Chase Center. The home crowd created a loud atmosphere during the opening game, giving Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase the difficult setting she wanted for the visiting team. Fans also chanted Williams's name after the match.
