# Valkyries survive Game 1 with grit

> Golden State Valkyries beat Atlanta Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1 despite heavy contact.
- Title: Valkyries survive Game 1 with grit | Shortify
- Summary: Golden State Valkyries beat Atlanta Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1 despite heavy contact. Golden State Valkyries secured a 68-64 WNBA Finals Game 1 win…
- Keywords: golden state valkyries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, gabby williams, natalie nakase, kaila charles, laeticia amihere, kiah stokes, veronica burton, tiffany hayes, news, local
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/10/17/golden-state-valkyries-natalie-nakase-gabby-williams-game-1
- Published: 2026-10-18T01:04:33+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: golden state valkyries, atlanta dream, wnba finals, gabby williams, natalie nakase, kaila charles, laeticia amihere, kiah stokes, veronica burton, tiffany hayes, news, local
## Game 1 victory
Golden State Valkyries beat Atlanta Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1.
## Gabby Williams leads scoring
Williams scored 26 points including 16 in second quarter.
## Defensive grit
Valkyries held Dream to zero points after 64-61 lead with 3:12 left.
## Natalie Nakase on Williams
Nakase said Williams is one of world's best players who shows up when needed.

> Gabby is one of the best players in the world
## Kaila Charles' impact
Charles played 30 minutes for 10 rebounds and +13 rating.

> her engine was on full throttle tonight
## Laeticia Amihere's role
Amihere limited Angel Reese to zero second-half points.

> she was kind of our insight with this gameplan
## Kiah Stokes' play
Stokes tipped Williams' missed layup to cut Dream lead to 3 points.

> i missed a layup, she went up, got the o-board, got the lid off the basket
## Veronica Burton injury
Burton fell after being hit in nose during third quarter.

> got knocked on the nose
## Tiffany Hayes' exit
Hayes left game after hard fall in second half with 1 of 12 shots.

> it's only gonna get better
## Series outlook
Valkyries aim for three more victories in WNBA Finals series.
## Key takeaway

Golden State Valkyries secured a 68-64 WNBA Finals Game 1 win over Atlanta Dream through defensive grit and key plays.