10/17/2026 06:51:00
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10/17 18:49 CDT Gabby Williams scores 26 points, sends Valkyries to 68-64 Game
1 win in defensive WNBA Finals opener
Gabby Williams scores 26 points, sends Valkyries to 68-64 Game 1 win in
defensive WNBA Finals opener
By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Sports Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) --- Gabby Williams so believes in Golden State's poise in
crunch time because of the way the Valkyries have won all along with their
defense.
They believe in each other to make the play in the biggest of moments.
Williams converted two free throws with 1:18 left to put Golden State ahead,
two more with 4.1 seconds to go on the way to scoring 26 points while facing
constant pressure from Atlanta's stingy defense, and the Valkyries held off the
Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday.
"Even though we were down with a few minutes left I think we had the game right
where we wanted it because it just came down to getting stops," Williams said.
"That's been our bread and butter all season. That's why we harp on it so much
because we've built great defensive habits for these moments."
It was the first loss all postseason for Atlanta, snapping a 10-game winning
streak overall. And coach Karl Smesko was ready to get right back to work
watching film to figure out what to do better in Game 2. The Dream are still
yet to win a finals game, swept in each of their previous three trips.
"We were right there, right there, so that's why it hurts a little bit but it
also motivates us," he said. "We know what we're capable of doing so we'll have
one day to get ourselves as ready as possible and then I think we'll play even
better."
Finding a way to slow down Williams --- and all of her capable supporting cast
--- is going to be a challenge.
After a quiet first quarter, she scored 16 of her points in the second and no
other Valkyries finished in double figures as they shot 32.1% and 7 of 33 from
3-point range.
"We always knew we were going to find a way somehow," Williams said on the
microphone postgame as fans chanted "Gabby! Gabby!"
Rhyne Howard missed a 3-point try with 1:09 left but Angel Reese made a steal
moments later. Naz Hillmon also missed from deep. Kiah Stokes gave the Dream
another chance she missed the first of two free throws with 23.8 seconds left.
Then Allisha Gray couldn't knock down a 3 with 9 seconds left.
Williams converted two free throws with just over 4 seconds left to seal it.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night back at Chase Center, where
the ear-piercing noise from a raucous "Ballhalla" crowd made for the exact
hostile environment Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase requested from the home fans.
One of these two franchises will capture its first championship, and if the
first game is any indication it's going to be an all-out defensive fight.
Gray returned from injury to score 19 points, while Reese added 14 points and
12 rebounds. Jordin Canada contributed eight points, seven assists and five
rebounds for the Dream, hitting a timely 13-foot jumper with 4:23 remaining.
Williams made a driving layup with 3:22 to play that pulled Golden State within
62-61. Canada banged awkwardly into Williams' knee on a box out during her late
free throws and the Valkyries star was being cared for by an athletic trainer
on the bench in the waning moments.
"I'm OK, it was a long, physical game," she said afterward.
Gray was in the starting lineup and had gone through a light practice Friday
after missing the last two games of Atlanta's sweep of the New York Liberty in
the best-of-three semifinal series with an injured left ring finger --- on her
shooting hand.
Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes hit her face hard on the floor trying to make
a steal in the closing minutes and was down with 2:38 remaining before walking
off the court on her own to the locker room.
Nakase said "so far" her indication was Hayes would be good for Game 2, "so
I'll know when the medical tells me." She was undergoing her normal treatment.
The 37-year-old Hayes spent her first 10 WNBA seasons with Atlanta.
"It was a physical game, we understand, it's playoffs, that's just part of it.
Tip's OK, I just gave her a little hug," Nakase said. "I'll tell you what,
she's a fighter. I don't think there's someone more, maybe our whole team, but
she wants this. And I can I say I'm going to put a little bit more energy
tonight in film because I want to win this for Tip."
___
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