10/17/2026 05:04:00
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10/17 17:03 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 hit the free throws 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.
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