A Historic Victory at Chase Center
The Golden State Valkyries captured their first-ever WNBA championship on Saturday, October 31, 2026, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a decisive Game 7. Played before a sold-out crowd of 18,064 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the victory marked a significant milestone for the franchise, which achieved the title in only its second season of existence as reported by RG.org. This contest represented the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, capping a hard-fought 4-3 series.
Forward Gabby Williams was the catalyst for the Valkyries, delivering a standout performance with 30 points. According to Twasl News, Williams scored 28 of her points in the second half, effectively carrying the offense when the team needed it most. Her efforts earned her the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player award, with head coach Natalie Nakase praising her as the team’s “closer” during the post-game press conference.
Defining Moments and Statistical Grind
The game was a defensive struggle, consistent with the series trend where the Atlanta Dream were held under 65 points in each of their four losses. Atlanta held a 30-24 lead at halftime, having limited the Valkyries during the first two quarters. However, the momentum shifted in the second half as Golden State outscored the Dream 21-14 in the third quarter and 23-19 in the fourth.
Williams accounted for 11 consecutive points during a critical stretch in the third quarter, turning the tide for the home side. As the clock wound down, the game remained competitive. Allisha Gray kept the Dream within striking distance with two free throws with 11 seconds remaining, but Veronica Burton secured the win for Golden State by converting two free throws with 5.1 seconds left on the clock. Burton finished the night with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while veteran Kiah Stokes recorded 13 rebounds to secure her fourth career WNBA title.
Reflecting on a Championship Culture
For the Valkyries, the win validated the team’s rapid development since their inaugural 2025 season. Coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly after the team’s loss in Game 6, noting that the squad had to match the desperation of the Dream to succeed. “We have winners, we have people who are ready to put their bodies on the floor to win a game,” Williams said following the victory. The title marks the culmination of a season that saw the Valkyries transform from a first-round exit in 2025 to league champions in 2026, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the professional landscape.