Valkyries Secure WNBA Championship in Second Season

The Golden State Valkyries have won the WNBA championship in just their second season, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night. Gabby Williams was instrumental in the victory, scoring the team's final 11 points of the third quarter and finishing with 30 points overall.

Jordin Canada contributed 18 points, and Allisha Gray added 16 for the Valkyries. The Dream, seeking their second championship, saw Rhyne Howard tie the game at 57 with a layup late in the fourth quarter. However, Williams responded with a clutch three-pointer, followed by two free throws that helped seal the win. Kiah Stokes also made a key late basket and finished with 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Williams expressed her gratitude for the team's culture and its players, stating, "All it took was good people. All we heard last year was we don’t have no stars. We don’t have no talent. Yeah right! We got good people. We got good people. We got winners. We got people who are ready to put their bodies on the floor to win a game."

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase made strategic starting lineup changes after the team fell behind 2-1 in the series, which proved effective. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes, who came out of retirement and previously played 10 seasons with the Dream, scored 11 points in the crucial Game 7 and provided significant energy throughout the series.

Team owner Joe Lacob had guaranteed a championship within the first five years of the franchise's existence. The Valkyries, who became the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural year in 2025, have now achieved that goal in their second season. The sellout crowd at Chase Center erupted in celebration as confetti fell following the final buzzer.