Gabby Williams leads Valkyries past Dream in nervy WNBA finals Game 1 thriller

Williams delivers late

Williams finished with a game-high 26 points, including four free throws in the closing 78 seconds, as Golden State held off Atlanta at Chase Center. The Valkyries had fallen behind by one with 1:18 remaining.

Williams grabbed a rebound after an Allisha Gray miss and drew a foul by Reese. She had scored 16 points in the second quarter after going scoreless in the first.

Williams said the team began to find its way once it relaxed and enjoyed the moment. She also credited the Valkyries’ defensive habits for helping them secure the win.

Atlanta falters in fourth

Gray returned after missing two games because of a hand injury and scored 19 points for Atlanta. The Dream’s leading scorer did not score in the fourth quarter.

Atlanta made only two of 19 field-goal attempts in the final period. Reese recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 12 points. Reese said she needed to be more aggressive with the ball and get to her preferred spots. She said she would aim to do better in the next game.

First title remains in reach

The Valkyries and Dream are both pursuing their first WNBA championship. Atlanta has lost in each of its three previous trips to the Finals. The Dream’s most recent Finals appearance before this series came in 2013. Game 1 gave Golden State an early lead in the title series.