In San Francisco, the Atlanta Dream led by three points with just over three minutes left in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Despite this advantage, they failed to score again, allowing the Golden State Valkyries to secure a 68-64 victory at Chase Center.
Gabby Williams delivered a standout performance with 26 points for the Valkyries. She made six crucial free throws in the final minutes. This effort helped Golden State finish the game on a 7-0 run, overturning a seven-point deficit from earlier in the fourth quarter.
“We were sleeping the whole first quarter,” said Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase. “Our defense is terrible right now!”
Atlanta managed only eight points in the final quarter, with no field goals scored after a jumper by Jordin Canada with 4:23 remaining. Despite opportunities, the Dream couldn’t capitalize in the game’s closing stages.
Defensive plays proved pivotal for Golden State. Veronica Burton’s block and Kiah Stokes’ rejection during a key sequence helped reduce the Dream’s lead. Tiffany Hayes then passed to Williams for a layup, decreasing the deficit to one point.
Rhyne Howard increased Atlanta’s lead to three with free throws, but Williams countered with four consecutive free throws, putting Golden State ahead 65-64 with 1:18 left. Angel Reese stole the ball twice from Williams in the final moments, yet Atlanta failed to convert these chances into scores.
Stokes contributed significantly with five blocks, including one that turned a five-point potential deficit into a single point difference. She split two late free throws, extending the Valkyries’ lead. Williams sealed the win with two more free throws in the final seconds.
The officiating drew criticism from the crowd, especially as Atlanta had taken more free throw attempts compared to Golden State. Despite complaints, Atlanta finished 18-for-21 at the line versus Golden State’s 11-for-16.
Notably, Howard’s drive led to a controversial foul on Burton, who went down holding her face. After reviewing for a potential hostile act, officials found no fault with Howard.
The first half saw high scores, with Reese scoring 11 points for Atlanta early, including a 5-for-6 shooting streak. However, she did not score another field goal, concluding with 14 points. Williams paced Golden State, turning the first-half tide with 16 points, including three important three-pointers.
Golden State’s victory in Game 1 highlights their defensive prowess and Williams’ clutch performance. Atlanta will need to make adjustments to avoid falling behind in the series.