Fridae

Gabby Williams scored 26 points as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68–64 on 17 October, giving the young franchise its first WNBA Finals victory. The win at San Francisco’s Chase Center put Golden State ahead 1–0 in the best-of-seven series.

Williams made two free throws with 1:18 remaining to put the Valkyries in front, then another pair with 4.1 seconds left to secure the four-point margin. Atlanta had led 56–51 entering the final quarter. Allisha Gray finished with 19 points for the Dream.

Golden State reached the championship round in only its second season. Williams carried the scoring, while Kiah Stokes contributed four blocks and Kaila Charles collected ten rebounds, according to the team’s Game 2 preview.

The Valkyries’ July All-Star report described New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes as Williams’s partner. It recalled Williams calling Johannes an “All-Star in her life”.

If you are following the series, share a play that deserves another look: a defensive stop, an assist or a moment away from the ball can be as revealing as the leading scorer’s total.

Game 2 is scheduled for 19 October at 5pm Pacific time at Chase Center. That is 8am on 20 October in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei.