Sports
Williams’ late free throws lift Valkyries to 68-64 Finals opener comeback
Gabby Williams scored 26 points, including six free throws in the final 2:15, as Golden State rallied past Atlanta in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The win was the first Finals victory in Valkyries franchise history.
The Golden State Valkyries rallied to beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday, earning the first Finals win in franchise history behind a 26-point performance from Gabby Williams.
Williams, who was held scoreless in the first quarter, helped spark a second-quarter surge that put Golden State ahead 42-39 at halftime. Atlanta responded in the third, outscoring the Valkyries 17-9, but Golden State took control in the fourth, 17-8.
Williams drove to the basket repeatedly in the final period and made all six of her free throws in the last 2:15. She had injured her knee in the fourth quarter after Atlanta guard Jordin Canada collided with her following a free-throw attempt, but stayed in the game.
With 8.7 seconds left, Williams got a hand in the face of Allisha Gray’s potential go-ahead 3-point attempt. Kiah Stokes grabbed the rebound and passed to Williams, who was fouled by Rhyne Howard and made the free throws that sealed the result.
The Game 1 win gives Golden State an early edge in the Finals, with Williams delivering at both ends after the Valkyries fell behind in the second half.