Gabby Williams Scores 26 Points as Golden State Valkyries Rally Past Atlanta Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1

The Golden State Valkyries opened the best-of-seven WNBA Finals with a dramatic 68-64 comeback victory over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco. Played before a roaring crowd of 18,000 fans that marked the franchise's 50th consecutive sellout, Game 1 showcased Golden State's trademark fourth-quarter defensive grit. Forward Gabby Williams led all scorers with a game-high 26 points, including 16 points in the second quarter, to give the second-year expansion franchise a 1-0 series lead.

Williams briefly exited in the fourth quarter after Atlanta guard Jordin Canada collided with her knee following a free-throw attempt, sending a hush across the Mission Bay arena. Returning from the locker room moments later, Williams spearheaded a decisive 17-8 fourth-quarter surge while going 6-for-6 at the free-throw line over the final 2 minutes and 15 seconds, including two clinching foul shots with 4.1 seconds remaining. Golden State held Atlanta scoreless across the final 3 minutes and 12 seconds to overcome shooting just 32.1 percent overall (25 of 78) and 21.2 percent from three-point range (7 of 33).

Atlanta guard Allisha Gray scored 19 points in her return from a left ring finger injury, but went 0-for-7 in the fourth quarter and missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer with 9 seconds left. Dream forward Angel Reese added 14 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort as Golden State's interior rotation locked down the paint late. Watching courtside at 1 Warriors Way were Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, guard Stephen Curry, and forward Draymond Green, while Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase praised Williams afterward as one of the best two-way players in the world.

Fans commuting from Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Danville, and Lafayette packed Bay Area Rapid Transit district trains and Muni light rail cars to join the waterfront celebration. Every municipal transportation department official and San Francisco Entertainment Commission coordinator confirmed that expanded transit service and outdoor Thrive City watch party permits will continue for Game 2 on Monday night. Youth girls' basketball program directors and school board leaders across Contra Costa County noted that the championship run continues to inspire record local clinic participation.

Supporters can purchase verified resale seats, check arena bag policies, and review Monday night transit schedules online at valkyries.wnba.com or chasecenter.com. Ticket and accessible seating inquiries for Game 2 at 1 Warriors Way may also be directed to the Chase Center box office at (888) 479-4667. City council and transit agencies advise East Bay commuters to allow extra travel time ahead of Monday evening's tipoff.