Gabby Williams Scores 30 as Valkyries Defeat Dream 68-63 to Capture First WNBA Championship.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries are WNBA champions just two seasons after joining the league. Led by a dominant 30-point performance from Gabby Williams, Golden State defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday night at Chase Center, securing the franchise's first championship. Williams delivered when her team needed her most, scoring Golden State's final 11 points of the third quarter before continuing her strong performance in the fourth. Her efforts earned her WNBA Finals MVP honors and helped the Valkyries complete a remarkable championship run. The victory also marked the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, adding another milestone to Golden State's young franchise. Atlanta entered halftime with a 30-24 advantage and appeared positioned to claim its first championship. However, Golden State responded in the second half behind Williams' scoring and a strong defensive effort. With the game tied at 57 and less than three minutes remaining, Williams connected on a crucial three-pointer to put the Valkyries back in front. She followed with two free throws as Golden State worked to maintain its advantage in the closing minutes. The Dream continued to battle, with Allisha Gray making two free throws with 11 seconds remaining. Atlanta then forced a jump ball, but Golden State's Veronica Burton secured possession and knocked down two free throws with 5.1 seconds left to help seal the championship. Williams became just the second player in WNBA history to score at least 30 points in a winner-take-all Finals game, joining Penny Taylor, who accomplished the feat with Phoenix in 2007. Golden State also received important contributions from its supporting cast. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes finished with 11 points, while Kiah Stokes recorded 13 rebounds and two blocked shots. The championship was the fourth of Stokes' WNBA career.

For Atlanta, Jordin Canada led the offense with 18 points, followed by Gray with 16. Angel Reese contributed eight points and 12 rebounds, but the Dream fell short of securing the franchise's first title in its fourth Finals appearance. The championship represents a major achievement for Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, who guided Golden State through a competitive seven-game series. After falling behind 2-1 in the Finals, Nakase adjusted her starting lineup ahead of Game 4, moving Kaila Charles and Hayes into starting roles while bringing Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini off the bench. The changes helped Golden State regain momentum and ultimately win the series. The victory also fulfilled an ambitious goal set by team owner Joe Lacob, who previously expressed confidence that the Valkyries could win a championship within their first five seasons. Golden State exceeded those expectations, capturing the title in Year 2 after becoming the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season in 2025. For the Dream, the defeat ended another championship opportunity despite a competitive Finals performance. Atlanta remained within striking distance throughout Game 7 but struggled to contain Williams during the decisive second half. As the final buzzer sounded, Golden State players celebrated at center court while confetti fell inside Chase Center. The victory capped a historic season for a franchise that has quickly established itself as a championship contender.

With Williams leading the way and Nakase guiding the team from the sidelines, the Valkyries have delivered the Bay Area another professional basketball championship while setting a high standard for the franchise's future.