# Valkyries' identity fading in WNBA Finals

> Golden State Valkyries lose Game 3, trailing 2-1 in WNBA Finals.
- Title: Valkyries' identity fading in WNBA Finals | Shortify
- Summary: Golden State Valkyries lose Game 3, trailing 2-1 in WNBA Finals. The Golden State Valkyries lost Game 3 of the WNBA Finals 97-71 to the Atlanta Dream…
- Keywords: golden state valkyries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, gabby williams, nate nakase, karl smesko, wnba, news, local, Valkyries', identity, fading
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/10/21/golden-state-valkyries-finals-loss-gabby-williams
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:21:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: golden state valkyries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, gabby williams, nate nakase, karl smesko, wnba, news, local
## Valkyries' identity fading
The Golden State Valkyries lost consecutive games for the first time in two months, trailing the Atlanta Dream 2-1 in the WNBA Finals.
## Game 3 loss details
The Valkyries suffered a 97-71 defeat in Game 3 at State Farm Arena, giving Atlanta a 2-1 series lead.
## Atlanta's explosive performance
Atlanta scored 44 points in the paint to the Valkyries' 20, with a sellout crowd of 17,000 fans cheering every turnover.
## Gabby Williams' struggle
Williams finished with 15 points but was 5 for 18 on her attempts, struggling with ball security.
## Atlanta's dominance
Atlanta's 21-point lead with 4:30 left to play was sealed by a sellout crowd of 17,000 fans.
## Valkyries' early struggles
The Valkyries starters combined for just four made field goals in the first half, with no points from three players.
## Game 4 and 5 schedule
Game 4 is at 10 a.m. PDT Saturday in Atlanta, with Game 5 in San Francisco on Monday and Game 6 on Thursday, Oct. 29.
## Valkyries' identity crisis
The Valkyries' identity, which carried them to an early lead, has vanished as they trail 2-1 in the WNBA Finals.
## Key takeaway

The Golden State Valkyries lost Game 3 of the WNBA Finals 97-71 to the Atlanta Dream, extending their losing streak and dropping the series to 2-1.