Golden State Beats Atlanta 68-64 in Game 1 of WNBA Finals

Williams had a standout performance, scoring 16 points in the second quarter alone, despite the team struggling overall with a shooting percentage of 32.1% and hitting only 7 of 33 from beyond the arc. "We always knew we were going to find a way somehow,” Williams said postgame, as the crowd chanted her name.

In the closing minutes, Rhyne Howard missed a crucial 3-point attempt with 1:09 remaining, and though Angel Reese secured a steal soon after, the Dream could not convert. Kiah Stokes missed the first of two free throws with 23.8 seconds left, and Allisha Gray followed suit with a missed 3-point shot nine seconds from the buzzer. Williams sealed the victory for the Valkyries with two free throws at 4.1 seconds.

The teams will meet again for Game 2 on Monday at Chase Center, which has been electrified by enthusiastic home fans, creating a challenging environment for the visiting team, as described by Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase.

Both teams are vying for their first championship, and the initial game indicated a fierce battle ahead. Gray returned from injury to contribute 19 points for Atlanta, while Reese added 14 points and 12 rebounds. Jordin Canada made a notable impact with eight points, seven assists, and five rebounds, despite a late-game collision with Williams.

Gray had practiced lightly before the game as she recovered from an injury to her shooting hand, while Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes was injured in the closing minutes, hitting her face hard on the floor while attempting a steal.