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This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Gabby Williams finished with 26 points and made six free throws in the final 2:15 as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Dream, 68–64, at Chase Center.Golden State closed on a 7–0 run to take a 1–0 series lead after trailing by seven earlier in the fourth quarter.Gabby Williams scored 26 points and hit six clutch free throws as the Golden State Valkyries erased a late deficit to beat the Atlanta Dream in Game 1.
(NBAE via Getty Images)Atlanta scored just eight points in the final frame and didn't make a field goal after Jordin Canada's jumper with 4:23 remaining.The Dream had opportunities to steal the opener on the road.
They spent the closing minutes missing one after another.DREAM, VALKYRIES LEAVE COURT FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM, RETURN SECONDS LATER BEFORE WNBA FINALSGolden State's defense produced one of the biggest sequences with the Valkyries trailing 62–59.Veronica Burton blocked Canada's layup attempt, and Kiah Stokes rejected Angel Reese on the same possession.
Tiffany Hayes grabbed the rebound and found Williams for a running layup that cut the deficit to one with 3:22 left.Stokes finished with five blocks.That one helped turn a potential five-point deficit into a one-point game.Rhyne Howard pushed Atlanta's lead back to three with two free throws, but Williams answered with four straight at the line.
Her second pair put Golden State ahead 65–64 with 1:18 remaining.Reese twice stole the ball from Williams in the final 1:41, giving Atlanta chances to change the ending.Neither possession produced a point.
Allisha Gray missed a layup after the first steal, and Naz Hillmon missed a three after the second.Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream look on during Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries.(NBAE...