Gabby Williams sank two free throws with 1:18 remaining to put Golden State ahead, then added two more with 4.1 seconds left to secure a 68-64 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday. The late foul shots capped a tight, defensive contest that rarely let either side build separation.
Williams finished with 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter, overcoming heavy pressure from Atlanta's defense to carry the Valkyries' offense. Golden State struggled from the field overall, converting just 32 percent of its shots, but its ability to get to the line in the closing minutes proved decisive.
Atlanta received a boost from Gray, who returned and scored 19 points, but the Dream were unable to find enough scoring late in the fourth quarter to overcome Golden State's stops. Atlanta's defensive intensity kept possessions short and the game low-scoring, but it was not enough to prevent the hosts from escaping with the win.
The result gives Golden State a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series after a game defined by physical defense and limited offensive rhythm. Both teams leaned on defensive execution down the stretch, setting up what figures to be a closely contested series as it moves forward.