10/17/2026 05:07:00
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10/17 17:05 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 converted two free throws with 1:18 left
to put Golden State ahead, two more with 4.1 seconds to go and finished with 26
points 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.
Williams scored 16 of her points in the second quarter and no other Valkyries
reached 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 missed from deep. Kiah Stokes missed the first of
two free throws with 23.8 seconds left. Then Allisha Gray missed a 3 with 9
seconds left.
Williams then hit the free throws a few seconds later to seal the victory.
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, 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' driving layup with 3:22 to play 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.
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.
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