The Golden State Valkyries won the Women’s NBA title in just their second season, beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game Seven of the WNBA Finals.
The Dream had levelled the seven-match series on Thursday. Gabby Williams starred for the Valkyries with 30 points to seal the win in the first Game Seven in WNBA Finals history. Williams also claimed the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player award.
Williams Delivers in the Second Half
Twenty-eight of Williams’ points came in the second half. She hit a three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining to edge the Valkyries ahead 60-57. Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton then sealed the win with free throws.
The Valkyries, formed in 2024, won in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 18,000 fans at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
Reaction From the Champions
“It’s easy when the energy is this good and positive,” said Williams. “I wouldn’t change a thing.
“All it took was good people. We have winners, we have people who are ready to put their bodies on the floor to win a game.
“They don’t care about scoring. They just want to do defence and rebounding. Do whatever it takes and we built a beautiful culture here.”
Coach Natalie Nakase praised her star guard.
“Gabby is our closer,” Nakase said.
“Closing with 30, I mean, that’s incredible. And to me, the MVP is the Finals MVP.
“That means you’ve got to play through the playoffs. You’ve got to grind. You’ve got to go through a seven-game series.
“She’s the most valuable player in the world, hands down.”
Dream Remain Hopeful
It is the fourth time the Dream have lost the finals in their 18-year history.
Angel Reese, who performed brilliantly for her side through the seven games, said she retained confidence in her team’s ambitions.
“This is the most fun I’ve had with a group. It’s the most competitive team I’ve been part of,” Reese said.
“And just because we didn’t win today doesn’t mean that we won’t be champions in the future.”