The Golden State Valkyries won their first WNBA championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream in a thrilling Game 7.
Final: Golden State Valkyries 68, Atlanta Dream 63.
My heart is still racing from the news - the Golden State Valkyries have won their first WNBA championship! I'm thrilled to see this talented team bring home the title.
The Golden State Valkyries Take Home the Title
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, winning their first championship. This is a historic moment for the team and its fans.
- Gabby Williams scored 30 points for the Golden State Valkyries.
- Kiah Stokes grabbed 13 rebounds for the Golden State Valkyries.
The Game-Winning Shot
Gabby Williams made a key contribution to the game, scoring 30 points for the Golden State Valkyries. This was a crucial factor in their victory.
Valkyries Win WNBA Finals with Thrilling Game 7 Victory
The Golden State Valkyries' championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. They faced tough opponents and overcame many challenges, but ultimately emerged victorious.
More from BasketballEdit: Dream Hand Valkyries 80-69 Loss in WNBA Finals Game 6
By the Numbers: Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Dream | 12 | 18 | 14 | 19 | 63 |
| Golden State Valkyries | 14 | 10 | 21 | 23 | 68 |
Points by quarter
| Player | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gabby Williams | Golden State Valkyries | – | 2 | 15 | 13 | 30 |
| Jordin Canada | Atlanta Dream | 2 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 18 |
| Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | 5 | – | – | 11 | 16 |
| Tiffany Hayes | Golden State Valkyries | 2 | 3 | – | 6 | 11 |
| Veronica Burton | Golden State Valkyries | 6 | 2 | – | 2 | 10 |
| Kiah Stokes | Golden State Valkyries | 2 | – | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Angel Reese | Atlanta Dream | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Isobel Borlase | Atlanta Dream | – | – | 5 | 3 | 8 |
Top 5 by points
| # | Player | Team | Points | Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabby Williams | Golden State Valkyries | 30 | 30 pts · 3 reb · 2 ast · FG 10-23 · 38 min |
| 2 | Jordin Canada | Atlanta Dream | 18 | 18 pts · 4 reb · 5 ast · FG 6-15 · 36 min |
| 3 | Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | 16 | 16 pts · 6 reb · 2 ast · FG 5-16 · 34 min |
| 4 | Tiffany Hayes | Golden State Valkyries | 11 | 11 pts · 0 reb · 1 ast · FG 4-9 · 31 min |
| 5 | Veronica Burton | Golden State Valkyries | 10 | 10 pts · 11 reb · 5 ast · FG 3-13 · 39 min |
Best on the night
- Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries): 30 pts · 3 reb · 2 ast · FG 10-23 · 38 min
- Jordin Canada (Atlanta Dream): 18 pts · 4 reb · 5 ast · FG 6-15 · 36 min
- Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream): 16 pts · 6 reb · 2 ast · FG 5-16 · 34 min
Rough night
- Kaila Charles (Golden State Valkyries): 4 pts on FG 1-4, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls in 37 min
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream): 6 pts on FG 3-14, 3 turnovers, 4 fouls in 38 min
- Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream): 3 pts on FG 1-5, 0 turnovers, 3 fouls in 33 min
Fouls
Team fouls: Atlanta Dream 16 · Golden State Valkyries 14. Fouled out: Tiffany Hayes (Golden State Valkyries). Foul trouble: Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream, 4).
Injuries and absences
- Matilde Villa (Atlanta Dream) — Out: Villa (coach's decision) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against New York.
- Brionna Jones (Atlanta Dream) — Out: Jones will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a left leg injury against the Sun on Aug. 13, Annie Costabile of The Athletic reports.
- Iliana Rupert (Golden State Valkyries) — Out: Rupert is pregnant, and the Valkyries have filed for a replacement contract ahead of the 2026 season, Alexa Philippou of ESPN.com reports Thursday.
- Sika Kone (Atlanta Dream) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Madina Okot (Atlanta Dream) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (Atlanta Dream) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Te-Hina Paopao (Atlanta Dream) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Indya Nivar (Atlanta Dream) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Laeticia Amihere (Golden State Valkyries) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Ashten Prechtel (Golden State Valkyries) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Janelle Salaun (Golden State Valkyries) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
- Aminata Gueye (Golden State Valkyries) — did not play (COACH'S DECISION)
The Players Behind the Title
I've been following this team all season, and it's amazing to see how this title reflects the hard work and dedication of every single player on that roster. From Kiah Stokes' dominating presence under the basket to the Valkyries' bench players who contributed just as much, this championship is a testament to their collective effort.
Take Gabby Williams, for example - she's been on fire all season, but her performance was truly something special. And then there's Kiah Stokes, who grabbed 13 rebounds and played a crucial role in the Valkyries' victory. These women are more than just talented athletes - they're also leaders, role models, and inspirations to young girls everywhere.
