Two years. One championship. A fairytale ending.
The Golden State Valkyries have completed one of the most extraordinary success stories in professional basketball history, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a dramatic Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday night to capture their first championship in just their second season of existence.
And when everything was on the line, Gabby Williams delivered the performance of her life.
The French-American forward erupted for 30 points, including an astonishing 28 in the second half, carrying Golden State through a fiercely contested championship decider at a sold-out Chase Center.
After a defensive opening quarter, the Valkyries struggled to generate offense before halftime. Atlanta capitalized, taking a 30-24 lead into the break and putting Golden State’s championship dreams in serious jeopardy.
But Williams refused to let the opportunity slip away. The 30-year-old scored 15 points in the third quarter, including her team’s final 11, almost single-handedly dragging the Valkyries back into contention. Golden State entered the fourth quarter ahead 45-44, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.
Gabby Williams DELIVERED in Game 7!
🏆 30 PTS
🏆 28 2H PTS (WNBA Finals Record)
🏆 4 3PM
🏆 2 STL
🏆 4 BLKShe clinched the WNBA Finals MVP with tonight’s performance, leading the @valkyries to their first championship in franchise history!
https://t.co/NW3Nmip8y3
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2026
With the championship hanging in the balance, Williams continued delivering. Rhyne Howard tied the game at 57 with 2:41 remaining, but Williams immediately responded with a crucial three-pointer before adding two free throws to give Golden State breathing room.
Atlanta refused to surrender, with Allisha Gray converting two free throws in the closing seconds to keep the Dream alive. But when Veronica Burton secured possession following a late jump ball, she calmly knocked down two free throws with 5.1 seconds remaining to seal the championship.
The final buzzer sparked wild celebrations at Chase Center as confetti rained down and Golden State’s players embraced on the court. Williams was deservedly named WNBA Finals MVP after averaging 19.6 points and 2.6 steals throughout the seven-game series.
IN JUST THEIR SECOND SEASON AS A FRANCHISE…
THE GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES ARE WNBA CHAMPIONS 🏆 https://t.co/0e4f3PPOUk
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2026
Veteran center Kiah Stokes provided a crucial defensive presence, finishing Game 7 with 13 rebounds and two blocks. Tiffany Hayes added 11 points against the franchise where she spent the first decade of her WNBA career.
For Atlanta, Jordin Canada finished with 18 points, Allisha Gray contributed 16, and Angel Reese recorded eight points and 12 rebounds. The Dream were denied their first championship in their fourth WNBA Finals appearance.
But the biggest story belonged to Golden State. Under head coach Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries have achieved something almost unimaginable for an expansion franchise. After becoming the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season in 2025, Golden State has now become the fastest expansion franchise across North America’s major professional leagues to win a championship since 1967.
Team owner Joe Lacob had promised a title within five years when the Bay Area was awarded its WNBA franchise.
It took just two.
And the achievement carries even greater significance considering how the Valkyries built their identity. Rather than relying on an established collection of superstars, Golden State developed a winning culture centered around defensive intensity, collective sacrifice, resilience and exceptional team chemistry.
Now, those principles have delivered the ultimate reward.
