Valkyries beat Dream 68-64 to take Finals Game 1

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series after shutting out Atlanta in the closing stretch. Gabby Williams scored 26 points for Golden State, including the free throws that put the Valkyries ahead late. Atlanta led 64-61 with 3:12 remaining, but did not score again. Golden State finished the game with a 7-0 run, all from the free-throw line, to secure the win at Chase Center on Saturday, October 17. The game was a low-scoring contest, and both teams struggled to make shots. Atlanta scored eight points in the fourth quarter. The Dream missed their final seven shots, while the Valkyries converted opportunities at the line in the final minutes. Golden State’s Kiah Stokes added nine points, seven rebounds and four blocks. Angel Reese had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta, scoring all 14 points before halftime. After the game, Reese said she had not been aggressive enough and intended to do better in the next game. Dream coach Karl Smesko said Atlanta had moved the ball too little in the second half and had not involved Reese enough offensively. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 19...