Valkyries Rally Past Dream to Take Finals Opener

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series after Atlanta went scoreless over the closing stretch. Gabby Williams scored a game-high 26 points and led Golden State’s late comeback at Chase Center on Saturday, October 17. Atlanta led 64-61 after Rhyne Howard made two free throws with just over three minutes remaining. The Dream did not score again. Golden State closed on a 7-0 run, with Williams making key free throws to put the Valkyries ahead and secure the win. The teams traded leads in a game shaped by defensive pressure and uneven shooting. Atlanta held a seven-point advantage early in the fourth quarter, but Golden State rallied. The Valkyries had also trailed by seven in the period before their late run. Atlanta managed eight points in the fourth and did not make another field goal after Jordin Canada’s jumper with 4:23 remaining, according to the game account. Williams’ scoring carried Golden State, whose next-highest scorer was Kiah Stokes with nine points. Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 19 points. Angel Reese finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, scoring 11 points in the first...