Finals-record 137 points, 18 steals: MVP Gabby Williams leads Valkyries to WNBA crown against Dream

A decisive late surge

The teams traded baskets before Williams put Golden State ahead for good with a 31-foot three-pointer at 2:18 remaining. She had also scored on a drive and made two free throws during the closing stretch.

Kiah Stokes turned a Williams miss into a basket with 53 seconds left. Veronica Burton was fouled with 5.1 seconds remaining and scored the game’s final points as the Valkyries secured the 68-63 win.

Williams earns Finals MVP

Williams played 38 of the game’s 40 minutes and finished with 30 points, making 10 of 23 field-goal attempts. Her 137 points and 18 steals across the Finals were records.

She said the title was for people who are “underrated, misunderstood,” and told the crowd that commitment could lead to championships. Williams was the Valkyries’ only All-Star and joined the team as a free agent in the offseason.

Team effort carries Golden State

Burton supported Williams with 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Stokes grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds, blocked two shots and held Dream star Angel Reese to eight points.

Golden State won despite making five of 20 three-point attempts. Stokes finished the Finals with a record 19 blocks and earned her fourth title.

Atlanta struggles to find rhythm

Jordin Canada scored 18 points and Gray added 16 for Atlanta. The Dream made 23 of 69 shots overall and six of 30 from three-point range. Coach Karl Smesko pointed to several poor stretches, including a scoreless opening 5:19. Atlanta fell behind 8-0 after missing eight consecutive shots and committing four turnovers.