Williams leads Golden State to first WNBA title in 68-63 win
The veteran guard scored 28 points in the final 20 minutes to secure the franchise's first championship.
By Maya Morris ·
Gabby Williams scored 28 points in the final 20 minutes of Saturday night's Game 7 to lead the Golden State Valkyries past the Atlanta Dream, 68-63. The victory secured the franchise's first WNBA championship in its second season of existence. Williams earned Finals MVP honors for her performance, which included a WNBA Finals record for points scored in a single half.
The Valkyries trailed by six points at the halftime break. Williams had managed only two points during the first half. In the third quarter, she scored 15 points to help Golden State take a 45-44 lead. After a late-game tie at 53 points, Williams scored nine consecutive points that the Dream could not overcome.
"I love moments like this," Williams said following the game. "[Coach] Natalie [Nakase] told me to be patient in the first half. I listened to her." The 30-year-old guard previously played for the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm before joining the Valkyries in Ballhalla. This is her first professional title in North America. She won a college championship and overseas titles earlier in her career. Her search for a gold medal ended in September when France lost to Team USA in the FIBA World Cup.
Angel Reese finished with eight points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta. Reese acknowledged the loss but expressed confidence in her team's future. "I'm really proud of the year that I had," Reese said. "I've done a lot of great things this year, but I wouldn't be able to do it without this group. I love these girls. I love the coaches." Reese noted that the Dream's fan base supported the team heavily this year. "I think it also sucks because our fan base back home poured into us so much this year, and we really wanted to do it for them," she said. "But we're forever grateful, and like I said, we'll be back."
The Valkyries now hold the championship trophy after a season that culminated in a seven-game series. The franchise will begin preparations for the next season, with Williams expected to remain a central figure in their roster.
Source: WQOK
