‘Always Played the Right Way’ – 2-Time WNBA Champion Hypes Up Gabby Williams as ‘One of the Best Players in the World’

October 19, 2026

Gabby Williams is delivering a breakout season with the Golden State Valkyries, leading them to a No. 2 playoff seed with a 32-12 regular-season record and a commanding 1-0 start in the WNBA Finals.

The forward has thrived in her first year with the team, averaging career-highs of 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals while carrying a 29.01% usage rate—a significant jump from her previous peak. Her two-way impact was on full display in Game 1 of the Finals, where she scored 26 points, including 16 in the second quarter, to help Golden State overcome a 22-14 deficit and stifle Atlanta Dream stars Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, who shot a combined 8-for-33 from the field.

Williams also earned All-Defensive First Team honors and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, showcasing her ability to dominate both ends of the court.

Two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum, who won titles in 2022 and 2023 with the Las Vegas Aces, praised Williams as one of the best players in the world, noting her consistency and professionalism. Plum highlighted how Williams’ talent had been underutilized in Seattle due to limited isolation opportunities, but her arrival in Golden State has allowed her to flourish.

The Valkyries’ defense, led by Williams, was particularly effective in the Finals opener, holding Atlanta to just 8 points in the fourth quarter and shutting down their offensive firepower with a 2-for-19 shooting performance from beyond the arc.