Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
BY HELEN LAME’
The Golden State Valkyries, fresh off a sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, used their stifling defense after trailing most of the game to score a 68-64 win over the Atlanta Dream in the first game of the WNBA Finals Saturday afternoon at Chase Center.
Both teams exhibited cold shooting in their first game since winning their conference championships eight days earlier, neither reaching 33% from the field, but it was the Valkyries who went on a 17-6 run over the last nine minutes to win the opener in Golden State’s first trip to the Finals.
Gabby Williams goes up for a three pointer over Atlanta’s DeWanna Bonner during the second half of the Valkyries 68-64 win over the Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals Saturday afternoon.
Gabby Williams stepped up in a big way, pouring in 26 points to lead all scorers, 16 of them in the second quarter, going six of nine including three from long distance. Williams also added six straight clutch free throws in the final 2:15 of the game as the Valkyries caught and passed Atlanta.
“We had the game right where we wanted it because it just came down to getting stops,” Williams said. “That’s been our bread and butter all season. That’s why we harp on it so much because we’ve built great defensive habits for these moments.”
Angel Reese drives to the basket between Valkyries defenders Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes (L-R) during Golden State’s 68-64 win over the Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals Saturday afternoon in San Francisco.
Allisha Gray paced the Dream with 19 points and six rebounds while Angel Reese posted 14 points with 12 boards. Rhyne Howard added 12 points for Atlanta. It was the Dream’s first loss of the playoffs and first since August 28th, snapping a ten game winning streak, including five straight in the postseason. They have yet to win a game in what is their fourth WNBA Finals appearance.
Valkyries center Kiah Stokes goes up to block Angel Reese’s shot during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Stokes had four blocks on the night during Golden State’s 68-64 win over Atlanta.
Williams 26 tied for the fourth most points by a player in their Finals debut in WNBA History. She was the only Golden State player in double figures, but Kiah Stokes scored nine points with seven rebounds while Kaila Charles scored seven with 10 boards. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase called Williams “one of our closers.” “Gabby is one of the best players in the world,” Nakase said. “Like, hands down. She’s showing that when we need some buckets, she’s willing to go out there and get to her spots and take over. I think she’s showing it at the perfect time right now, and that’s what we need.”
Golden State’s Kaila Charles looks for the basket under pressure from the Dream’s Allisha Gray during the Valkyries 68-64 win over Atlanta in the opening game of the WNBA Finals.
The Valkyries and Dream will be back at it in Game 2 Monday night with a 5pm tipoff at Chase Center.
GAME NOTES:
The Valkyries only led the game for a total of six minutes and eight seconds. Atlanta led 22-14 after first quarter.
Golden State forced Atlanta into 12 turnovers leading to 17 points. The Valkyries only committed eight turnovers.
Atlanta was held to a a season low 64 points. Their previous low was 66 points in a June game against the Valkyries in Atlanta.
