# She Was Money: Valkyries Star Delivers Game 1 Win

> Valkyries star Gabby Williams scored 26 points in Game 1 of 2026 WNBA Finals to secure victory over Dream.
- Title: She Was Money: Valkyries Star Delivers Game 1 Win | Shortify
- Summary: Valkyries star Gabby Williams scored 26 points in Game 1 of 2026 WNBA Finals to secure victory over Dream. Gabby Williams delivered 26 points and 16 in…
- Keywords: gabby williams, valkyries, dream, wnba, 2026 wnba finals, game 1, sports, Money, Star, Delivers, Game, Win
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-news-she-was-money-ex-espn-host-names-valkyries-star-who-delivered-when-it-mattered-most-against-dream
- Author: Nandjee Ranjan
- Published: 2026-10-19T12:42:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gabby williams, valkyries, dream, wnba, 2026 wnba finals, game 1, sports
## Game 1 Highlights
Poor shooting, high-quality defense and ultra physicality defined Game 1 of 2026 WNBA Finals.
## Williams' Game 1 Performance
Williams scored 26 points, 16 in second quarter, and made critical free throws to win game 1.
## Linda Cohn's Praise
Former ESPN host Linda Cohn called Williams the toughest player on court in game 1.

> [She was the] toughest player on the court in game 1. 26 points, 16 of those in the second quarter
## Free Throw Heroics
Williams made both free throws with 2 seconds left to secure 68-64 victory over Dream.

> she was money on the line
## Game 1 Turning Point
Dream led 64-61 until 2:16 minutes remaining when Williams made both free throws.
## Valkyries' Team Identity
Valkyries prioritized team identity over one star, winning through defense and resilience.
## What Happens Next
Valkyries lead 1-0 in seven-game series after Game 1 victory over Dream.
## Key takeaway

Gabby Williams delivered 26 points and 16 in second quarter to win Game 1 for Valkyries against Dream in 2026 WNBA Finals.