GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES DEFEAT ATLANTA DREAM 68–64 TO CLAIM EARLY WNBA FINALS LEAD
The Golden State Valkyries opened the 2026 WNBA Finals with a 68–64 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Game 1 was played Saturday, October 17, at Chase Center in San Francisco. The victory gave Golden State a 1–0 advantage in the best-of-seven championship series. Both teams entered the Finals seeking their first league championship. The opening contest featured a physical defensive battle and several momentum changes.
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Golden State's Gabby Williams led all scorers with 26 points. Williams scored 16 of those points during the second quarter. Her performance helped the Valkyries recover from a difficult start. Golden State finished the game with a decisive 7–0 scoring run. Williams contributed six points from the free-throw line during that closing stretch.
Atlanta remained competitive behind Allisha Gray and Angel Reese. Gray led the Dream with 19 points. Reese added 14 points while providing an important presence near the basket. However, Atlanta struggled to convert its late offensive opportunities. Golden State's defense prevented the Dream from scoring during the final three minutes.
The result gives the Valkyries an opportunity to build an early advantage in the series. Atlanta will look to respond after losing its first championship matchup. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday, October 19, at Chase Center. The series will later shift to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4. Both teams remain in contention for the championship despite Golden State's opening victory.
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