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Valkyries Edge Dream in First WNBA Finals Game 7

Updated 10:52 AM ET · 4:08 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: The Golden State Valkyries won their first championship in just their second season, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the historic first Game 7 of the WNBA Finals.

The Golden State Valkyries secured their first WNBA championship in just their second season, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a historic first Game 7 of the Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday night. The Valkyries, led by Gabby Williams, who scored 30 points, overcame a tough series to claim the title.

The game marked the first time in WNBA history that a Game 7 had been played in the Finals. The Valkyries had to fight back from a 2-1 deficit after losing two consecutive games to the Dream, including a 26-point blowout in Game 6.

Head coach Natalie Nakase made crucial adjustments in Game 4, inserting Kaila Charles and veteran Tiffany Hayes into the starting lineup to bolster the team's defense and rebounding. Hayes, who had struggled in Game 1, found her shooting touch, contributing significantly to the team's success.

In Game 6, the Dream's offense dominated, shooting over 43% from the field and 3-point range. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard combined for nine triples and 44 points, leading the Dream to a 25-point first-half lead. However, the Valkyries managed to outscore the Dream 18-12 in points off turnovers, showing resilience.

Williams, who scored her team's final 11 points of the third quarter and dazzled in the fourth, said she listened to Nakase's advice to be patient in the first half. Williams' clutch performance at the free-throw line sealed the game for the Valkyries.

The Valkyries' defense, which had been so crucial in their 64-55 Game 5 win, was missing in the first quarter of Game 6. The Dream seized the opportunity, making 73.3% of their shots and racing to a 32-15 lead. Despite this, the Valkyries fought back, showing their determination to avoid another slow start in Game 7.

The Valkyries' victory was celebrated by fans and notable figures alike, including former President Barack Obama, who joined the celebrations on Saturday night. Owner Joe Lacob, who had guaranteed a championship within the first five years for the franchise, saw his prediction come true in just two seasons.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• 4 Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the Finals this weekend at "Ballhalla," Chase Center in San Francisco.
• She was baffled that her team somehow left behind its defensive intensity at the start of Thursday’s 80-69 loss to the Dream that forced Game 7 at “Ballhalla” in San Francisco on Saturday night.
• While the Valkyries were missing their defensive edge that was so important in their 64-55 Game 5 win, the Dream seized the opportunity by making 73.3% of their shots in the first quarter and racing to a 32-15 lead.
• "Can't let that happen right out of the gate," Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said.
• Gabby Williams scored her team's final 11 points of the third quarter and dazzled through the fourth on the way to 30 points, and the Golden State Valkyries captured a championship in just their second season by beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a sensational first WNBA Finals Game 7 Saturday night.
• Nakase was still struggling to comprehend the lackadaisical start so she could make sure it’s not repeated in Saturday night’s decisive game.
• Please give us a call at 520-836-7461 Atlanta Dream's Rhyne Howard, top, and Golden State Valkyries' Tiffany Hayes battle for the ball during the second half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals on Thursday, Oct.
• Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese (5) goes up to shoot against Golden State Valkyries' Kiah Stokes during the second half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals on Thursday, Oct.
• Atlanta Dream's Allisha Gray celebrates after shooting a three-pointer during the first half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct.
• Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase speaks with Veronica Burton during the first half of Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals on Thursday, Oct.
• Atlanta Dream's Jordin Canada walks of the court after the Dream won Game 6 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday, Oct.
• There should be no problem with the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream approaching the first WNBA Finals Game 7 in league history with a sense of urgency.

What's still developing

• The home team has won 11 of those 13 decisive Finals games, according to ESPN.
• There have been 13 winner-take-all games in Finals history, most recently in 2024 when the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a Game 5 to earn their first championship.
• The Valkyries return to the friendly confines of Ballhalla after failing to close out the series on the road in Game 6.
• Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are There has never been a Game 7 in WNBA playoff history.
• For the WNBA finals, the games in Atlanta were moved to the 16,000-seat State Farm Arena, resulting in some scheduling adjustments becoming necessary.
• They got there by taking 57 shots from the floor compared to Atlanta’s 27 during those two quarters – so it wasn’t like the Valkyries’ shooting woes were exactly over.
• PT, 2 1/2 hours before the previously scheduled start time.
• Then after Bueckers missed a 19-foot pullup with 55 seconds left and Ogunbowale missed a floater after a Jessica Shepard rebound, Williams came through clutch once again to seal the game at the free-throw line.
• Zandalasini, who started 34 of the 37 regular-season games she appeared in, came off the bench and provided a 10-point first-half effort.
• The 37-year-old has shot 49.1 percent over the past five games.
• Reese became the third player with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game, joining Jonquel Jones for Connecticut in 2019 and Breanna Stewart for Seattle in 2020.
• Kanter Freedom demanded he be allowed to sit in his purchased seat, and for the second time this season didn’t make it through a WNBA game.

Sources

• ABC7 Bay Arealink
• Eagle-Tribunelink
• Goshen Newslink
• Long Beach Press-Telegramlink
• Marietta Daily Journallink
• NBC Bay Arealink
• PinalCentral.comlink
• Rockdale Citizenlink
• Terre Haute Tribune-Starlink
• The Rome News-Tribunelink
• The Speclink
• WaltonTribune.comlink
• couriernews.comlink
• Rafulink
• Eagletribunelink
• Espnlink
• ABC7 News Bay Area — video link