Year Two, Ring One: The Valkyries Win the First Game 7 in WNBA Finals History

When Joe Lacob got his Bay Area expansion team, he promised a championship within five years. It took two. On Saturday night at a sold-out Chase Center, the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68–63 in the first Game 7 the WNBA Finals have ever had, and the franchise has its first title.

For a while it looked like Atlanta would spoil the party. The Dream led 30–24 at halftime, with Jordin Canada scoring 13 in the second quarter alone. Gabby Williams, Golden State's star all series, had two points at the break. Coach Natalie Nakase told her to stay patient, and she listened.

Then she took over. Williams scored 15 in the third quarter, including the team's last 11 points of the period, and Golden State went into the fourth up 45–44. The game was tied at 53 late, and Williams kept going, hitting a three that made it 60–57 with just over two minutes left. The Valkyries never trailed again. She finished with 30 points, 28 of them in the last 20 minutes, plus four blocks, and was named Finals MVP. ESPN says she set a Finals record for points in a half.

She had plenty of help. Kiah Stokes grabbed 13 rebounds and won her fourth WNBA title, and 37-year-old Tiffany Hayes, who came out of retirement two years ago, added 11. For Atlanta, Canada scored 18, Allisha Gray had 16 and Angel Reese put up 8 points and 12 rebounds.

It's a big moment for Williams too. She'd won titles in college and overseas, but lost to the U.S. by a single point in the 2024 Olympic final. Co-owner Peter Guber summed up the night: they need a bigger trophy case.

Is this the fastest-built champion in pro sports, and can anyone stop them from doing it again?