# Valkyries beat Dream in WNBA Finals opener

> Gabby Williams' clutch free throws seal Golden State Valkyries' 68-64 win over Atlanta Dream in WNBA Finals Game 1.
- Title: Valkyries beat Dream in WNBA Finals opener · OutKick
- Summary: Gabby Williams' clutch free throws seal Golden State Valkyries' 68-64 win over Atlanta Dream in WNBA Finals Game 1. Golden State Valkyries defeat Atlanta…
- Keywords: gabby williams, atlanta dream, golden state valkyries, wnba, wnba finals, game 1, free throws, 26 points, 68-64, news, politics, Valkyries
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/gabby-williams-delivers-late-valkyries-shut-down-angel-reese-dream-win-wnba-finals-opener
- Author: Dan Zaksheske
- Published: 2026-10-17T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gabby williams, atlanta dream, golden state valkyries, wnba, wnba finals, game 1, free throws, 26 points, 68-64, news, politics
## Dream leads early in WNBA Finals
Atlanta Dream held a three-point lead with just over three minutes left in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center.
## Valkyries close game with clutch free throws
Gabby Williams scored 26 points and made six free throws in the final 2:15 to give Golden State a 68-64 win over Atlanta.
## Dream's late scoring attempts fail
Atlanta scored just eight points in the final frame and missed all field goals after Jordin Canada's jumper with 4:23 remaining.
## Valkyries defense turns deficit into lead
Golden State's defense produced a 7-0 run to cut Atlanta's deficit to one with 3:22 left in the game.
## Angel Reese's late steals
Angel Reese twice stole the ball from Williams in the final 1:41, but neither possession produced a point.
## Crowd chants officials during close game
Chase Center fans repeatedly chanted 'refs you suck' during the closing minutes of the game.
## Valkyries win series with 1-0 lead
Golden State Valkyries took a 1-0 series lead after defeating Atlanta Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1.
## Key takeaway

Golden State Valkyries defeat Atlanta Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1 with Gabby Williams scoring 26 points and hitting six free throws in the final 2:15.