The Golden State Valkyries are one step closer to completing one of the most remarkable championship runs in WNBA history.
In just their second season as a franchise, the Valkyries secured their first WNBA Finals victory Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-64 at Chase Center to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
Gabby Williams delivered a dominant performance, finishing with a game-high 26 points while helping Golden State overcome a difficult shooting night. Williams scored 16 of those points in the second quarter before making several crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.
However, it was Golden State's defense that ultimately decided the game.
Atlanta entered the matchup riding a 10-game winning streak and appeared positioned to steal Game 1 after taking a 64-61 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
Instead, the Dream failed to score again.
Golden State closed the contest on a 7-0 run, holding Atlanta scoreless over the final 3:12.
The Dream struggled throughout the fourth quarter, scoring just eight points while shooting 2-for-19 from the field.
Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 19 points in her return from a hand injury that sidelined her during part of the semifinals. Angel Reese contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 12 points.
Despite those performances, Atlanta struggled to generate offense when it mattered most.
The Dream finished the game shooting just 32.8% from the field, including several missed three-point attempts during the final minute.
Golden State also endured offensive difficulties, shooting 32.1% overall and making just seven of its 33 three-point attempts.
Kiah Stokes provided important contributions with nine points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots, while Kaila Charles grabbed 10 rebounds.
...
The victory represents another milestone for a franchise that has quickly established itself as a championship contender.
Golden State reached the WNBA Finals in only its second year of existence and has remained undefeated at home throughout the playoffs.
For Atlanta, the loss marks its first defeat of the postseason after sweeping its opening two playoff series.
The Dream now face an early challenge against a Golden State team that has already defeated them four times this season, including three regular-season matchups.
Game 2 is scheduled for Monday at Chase Center before the series shifts to Atlanta.
Golden State needed just two seasons to reach basketball's biggest stage. After Saturday's comeback victory, the Valkyries are now three wins away from capturing their first WNBA championship.