Gabby Williams Powers Valkyries to Historic WNBA Title

Williams took over after halftime, scoring 28 of her 30 points in the second half as Golden State rallied from a six-point deficit. Her performance set a WNBA playoff record for points in a half, and she also recorded four blocks and two steals. The Valkyries became the first expansion team to win a WNBA title and did so in just their second season.

Atlanta led 30-24 at halftime. Williams scored the Valkyries’ final 11 points of the third quarter, then helped decide a close finish. After Rhyne Howard tied the game at 57 with 2:41 remaining, Williams hit the go-ahead three-pointer and later added two free throws. Kiah Stokes contributed a late basket and finished with 13 rebounds and two blocks.

The Dream cut the margin with free throws from Allisha Gray, then forced a jump ball with 11 seconds left. Veronica Burton secured the ball and made two free throws with 5.1 seconds remaining to seal the result. Jordin Canada scored 18 for Atlanta, Gray had 16, and Angel Reese recorded eight points and 12 rebounds.

Williams was also credited with Finals records of 137 points and 18 steals across the series. She said coach Natalie Nakase urged her to stay patient, adding that she trusted the advice. Williams had joined Golden State in the offseason after playing for Seattle.

A sellout crowd at Chase Center celebrated as confetti fell and players embraced. The Valkyries’ title came two years after the franchise began, beating the five-year championship target owner Joe Lacob had set. A parade down San Francisco’s Embarcadero was planned for Wednesday.