Why It Matters
The Golden State Valkyries won their first WNBA championship in only their second season, defeating the Atlanta Dream in the league’s first Finals Game 7.
What Happened
Golden State defeated Atlanta 68-63 in Game 7 to claim the championship. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 30 points and was named Finals MVP.
Williams scored 2 points in the first half, then added 15 in the third quarter and 13 in the fourth. Kiah Stokes led the game with 13 rebounds and earned her fourth championship title.
The series shifted several times. Atlanta took a 2-1 lead after two double-digit victories, but Golden State won two straight games to move ahead 3-2. Atlanta then won Game 6 in Atlanta on Thursday to force the deciding game.
Natalie Nakase coached Golden State. The Valkyries’ Finals core included Williams, Stokes and guard Veronica Burton, who led the team in regular-season assists. Williams said, “I love moments like this.”
By the Numbers
68-63 — Golden State’s Game 7 victory score.
Game 7 — WNBA Finals championship-clinching game.
second season — Valkyries’ season of their first championship.
30 points — Gabby Williams’ Game 7 total.
15 points — Williams’ third-quarter total.
13 points — Williams’ fourth-quarter total.
2 points — Williams’ first-half total.
13 rebounds — Kiah Stokes’ total.
fourth championship title — Stokes’ championship total.
23-21 — Golden State’s inaugural-season record.
first round — Golden State’s inaugural playoff exit.
2-1 — Atlanta’s series lead.
3-2 — Golden State’s series lead.
12:30 p.m. ET — Game 6 tipoff time.
fewer than 4,000 — Typical seating capacity of Atlanta’s home court.
May — Month in which Golden State was valued.
$1 billion — Golden State’s valuation.
first WNBA team — Golden State’s position after reaching that valuation.
2027 — Season in which Golden State plans to pursue consecutive championships.
Zoom Out
Golden State reached the playoffs during its inaugural season, finishing 23-21 before exiting in the first round. The Valkyries share a principal ownership group with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and sold out every home game during their first two seasons.
The franchise was valued at $1 billion in May, making it the first WNBA team to reach that threshold. Nakase also had a two-time champion in her playing career.
What’s Next
Golden State plans to pursue consecutive championships in 2027. Burton said, “I would tell her it’s all worth it.”