Valkyries stun Dream in Game 7 to claim WNBA title

Gabby Williams scored 30 points to lead the Golden State Valkyries to a 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals. The win secured the franchise's first championship in its second season. The final buzzer sounded Saturday night at Chase Center in San Francisco.

The team had fallen behind 2-1 in the best-of-seven series before coming back to close it out. Coach Natalie Nakase changed the starting lineup after that deficit. She inserted Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes while moving Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini to the bench. The adjustment helped Golden State win the final two games.

Atlanta controlled the first half, building a 25-point lead over the Lakers early in the first quarter. The Dream led 30-24 at halftime. The team that held the halftime lead had won all six previous games in the series. However, the Valkyries won the second-half battle to complete the comeback.

Williams controlled the late-game action for Golden State. She scored the team's final 11 points of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, she hit a clutch three-pointer after Rhyne Howard's layup tied the game at 57 with 2:41 remaining. Williams then made two free throws with 1:40 left.

The Dream made two free throws with 11 seconds left, but Golden State forced a jump ball. Veronica Burton won the tip and converted two free throws with 5.1 seconds remaining. Burton was cut by the Dallas Wings two years ago and described the moment as insane and a blessing.

Jordin Canada scored 18 points for the Dream, while Allisha Gray added 16. Angel Reese recorded eight points and 12 rebounds. The Dream were denied a championship in their fourth attempt. DeWanna Bonner of Atlanta became the first player in WNBA history to reach 600 career postseason defensive rebounds.

Tiffany Hayes, who is 37 years old, scored 11 points in Game 7. Hayes came out of retirement two years ago after spending 10 seasons with the Dream. Kiah Stokes pulled down 13 rebounds and blocked two shots. Stokes is now a four-time WNBA champion.

Nakase told Williams to stay patient at halftime. Williams said she trusted her coach completely. The coach noted that Williams remained patient and closed out the game with 30 points. Fans chanted Williams' name throughout the fourth quarter.

The sellout crowd at Chase Center celebrated as confetti fell from the rafters. The arena had been sold out for every game since the franchise opened. Co-owner Peter Guber told the team they need to build a bigger trophy case. Owner Joe Lacob had guaranteed a championship within five years when the expansion team was granted.

The Valkyries became the first expansion organization to reach the playoffs in their inaugural year in 2025. They now hold a women's championship alongside the Golden State Warriors men's title from 2022. Lacob thanked the fans for their support during the victory ceremony. The team left the court to a crowd chanting Ballhalla.