The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center. Gabby Williams led Golden State with 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter. She was the team's only player to score at least 10 points. The Valkyries made just 32.1 percent of their shots and seven of their 33 three-point attempts.
Williams made two free throws with one minute and 18 seconds remaining to put Golden State ahead. Atlanta then missed several chances to score. Rhyne Howard missed a three-point shot, although Angel Reese won the ball back with a steal shortly afterward. Naz Hillmon and Allisha Gray also missed three-point attempts. Williams added two more free throws with 4.1 seconds left to secure the victory.
The home crowd gave Golden State the loud support that coach Natalie Nakase had requested. Game 2 is Monday night at Chase Center again. The Finals are a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games takes the title.
