# Valkyries Beat Dream in Chaotic Game 1

> Valkyries overcome officiating debate with Gabby Williams' clutch free throws in Game 1.
- Title: Valkyries Beat Dream in Chaotic Game 1 · EssentiallySports
- Summary: Valkyries overcome officiating debate with Gabby Williams' clutch free throws in Game 1. Valkyries win Game 1 of WNBA Finals after Angel Reese's physical…
- Keywords: valkyries, atlanta dream, angel reese, gabby williams, wnba, game 1, officiating, free throws, physical play, wnba finals, sports, Beat
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/wnba-basketball-news-refs-accused-of-bias-reeses-physical-play-gabby-comes-in-clutch-more-valkyries-beat-dream-in-chaotic-game-one
- Author: Sagnik Bagchi
- Published: 2026-10-18T00:12:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: valkyries, atlanta dream, angel reese, gabby williams, wnba, game 1, officiating, free throws, physical play, wnba finals, sports
## Stakes of WNBA Finals
Atlanta Dream reach first Finals since 2013 after five years with GM Dan Padover.
## Valkyries Make History
Valkyries become first expansion team to reach wnba playoffs in inaugural season.
## Officiating Debate Begins
Both teams walked off court before national anthem with no players on hardcourt.
## Early Game Tension
Dream lead 22-14 after first quarter but Valkyries briefly led 14-11.
## Free Throw Dispute
Dream 14-of-17 free throws vs Golden State 3-of-5 with fans accusing refs of bias.
## Angel Reese Physical Play
Reese blocked layup with arm smash on Burton causing face injury with no foul.
## Gabby Williams Clutch Performance
Williams scored 26 points including 7-of-7 free throws to win game 1.
## Game 1 Outcome
Valkyries win game 1 68-64 after Williams' free throws with 1:18 left.
## Key takeaway

Valkyries win Game 1 of WNBA Finals after Angel Reese's physical play sparks officiating controversy.