# Valkyries steal Game 1 with gritty defense

> Golden State Valkyries overcome Atlanta Dream with defensive grit to win WNBA Finals opener.
- Title: Valkyries steal Game 1 with gritty defense | Shortify
- Summary: Golden State Valkyries overcome Atlanta Dream with defensive grit to win WNBA Finals opener. Golden State Valkyries secure 1-0 lead in WNBA Finals after…
- Keywords: golden state valkyries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, gabby williams, natalie nakase, veronica burton, angel reese, allisha gray, news, local, Valkyries, steal
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/10/17/valkyries-gritty-style-gabby-williams-angel-reese-dream
- Published: 2026-10-18T02:18:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: golden state valkyries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, gabby williams, natalie nakase, veronica burton, angel reese, allisha gray, news, local
## Valkyries win Game 1
Golden State Valkyries secure 1-0 lead in WNBA Finals after gritty 68-64 win over Atlanta Dream.
## Defensive grit wins
Valkyries held Atlanta scoreless for final 3 minutes 12 seconds to win Game 1.
## Gabby Williams leads scoring
Williams scores 26 points to seal victory with clutch free throws.
## Atlanta Dream strong start
Atlanta Dream led 56-51 entering fourth quarter after strong first half.
## Valkyries defense key
Valkyries outscored Dream 17-8 in final quarter with defensive stops.
## Veronica Burton's role
Burton shot 2 of 7 for five points and blocked key shots.
## Angel Reese dominates
Reese powers Dream with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
## Game 1 impact
Valkyries lead series 1-0 after winning Game 1.
## Key takeaway

Golden State Valkyries secure 1-0 lead in WNBA Finals after gritty 68-64 win over Atlanta Dream with defense.