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Valkyries strike first in WNBA Finals

The 2026 WNBA Finals were billed as a clash of defensive titans, and for good reason. The Golden State Valkyries led the 15-team league in defensive rating this year, while the Atlanta Dream ranked third, while the two teams accounted…

By Brady Klopfer · Golden State Of Mind

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 11:29 PM

Key Things to Know

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-64 to lead the WNBA Finals 1-0.
Gabby Williams paced the Valkyries with a game-high 26 points and sealed the victory at the free-throw line.
Golden State's defense held Atlanta to eight fourth-quarter points and no scoring over the final three minutes.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Golden State Valkyries took a 1-0 lead in the 2026 WNBA Finals with a 68-64 victory over the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center. In a physical and defensive contest where the teams combined to shoot just 32.4% from the field, Golden State rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit to earn the franchise's first Finals win.

Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter and crucial late free throws to seal the win. Golden State's defense dominated the final period, limiting Atlanta to just eight points on 2-for-19 shooting and holding them scoreless across the final three minutes.

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Valkyries strike first in WNBA Finals

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