Golden State Valkyries Win First WNBA Championship

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Angel Reese faced a challenging Game 7 performance with the Atlanta Dream, scoring only one point and not attempting any field goals in the crucial fourth quarter. The Dream needed more from Reese in a match that decided the championship. The Golden State Valkyries claimed their first WNBA title, defeating the Dream 68-63 at the Chase Center on Saturday night, winning the best-of-seven series 4-3.

Reese finished the game with eight points, shooting 3-for-7, grabbing 12 rebounds, and making four turnovers. Her recent performances have been marred by more turnovers than field goals. Over the last four games, she shot 26.7%, converting 12 of her 45 attempts while committing 19 turnovers.

Gabby Williams Shines

Golden State guard Gabby Williams stepped up, scoring 30 points, including 28 in the second half, to secure the victory. Her 31-foot three-pointer with 2:18 remaining broke a 57-57 tie, ensuring a lead that the Valkyries maintained. Williams received the Finals MVP honors for her critical contribution, including four blocks.

Reese’s single point in the last quarter came from a free throw with only 18.6 seconds left. Earlier in the series when Atlanta held a 2-1 lead, Reese showed formidable play, scoring 51 points in Games 2 and 3 combined. However, her shooting struggles persisted in the final stretch.

Game 7 Highlights

In the decisive game, Jordin Canada carried much of Atlanta’s offense, but Reese never emerged as a scoring presence late in the game. Atlanta started slow, allowing Golden State an 8-0 lead before Reese scored a basket off an offensive rebound. Canada excelled in the second quarter, giving Atlanta a halftime lead, but Reese struggled with her shooting and turnovers.

Williams dominated for Golden State in the third period, scoring her team’s last 13 points, overturning Atlanta’s earlier lead. Her clutch performance continued in the fourth quarter, ensuring the Valkyries’ triumph.

Final Moments

In the final moments, Gray missed a layup, and Williams extended Golden State’s lead with free throws. Kiah Stokes contributed with critical rebounds, turning one into a putback to stretch the lead. Despite Atlanta’s efforts through Reese, Gray, and others, Golden State maintained control.

Reese averaged 14.7 points and 12.9 rebounds for the series, underscoring the notion that greatness is measured by impact on winning. Despite her contributions, she couldn’t steer Atlanta to the title. Dan Zaksheske reports for OutKick.