Photo via Yahoo Sports

“Ruthless”: Journalist Gives Honest Verdict on Valkyries Crowd’s Treatment of Dream After Natalie Nakase’s WNBA Finals Demand

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-64 on Saturday at Chase Center to take Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The victory was secured by a late surge in free-throw efficiency from Golden State forward Gabby Williams, who scored a game-high 26 points.

Williams proved decisive in the final minute and eighteen seconds, converting four key free throws to shift the momentum and ultimately seal the series lead for the home team.

The game featured a physical exchange in the final minutes when Atlanta guard Jordin Canada collided with Williams on a box-out at the free-throw line. This incident preceded the sequence of free throws that decided the game.

Williams first made both free throws to put the Valkyries up 65-64, and then added another pair to secure the win with 4.1 seconds remaining.

The regular season context highlighted the defensive strengths of both squads, with Golden State posting the best defensive rating in the league, while Atlanta held the third-best defensive rating. The Dream also led the league in steals per game, whereas the Valkyries ranked fourth in that category.

Earlier in the contest, Golden State star Cecilia Zandalasini struggled from the field and the line. With just under six minutes remaining, Zandalasini missed a 26-footer from the right wing and a 13-foot turnaround from the left side of the paint.

She also missed two free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt during the same stretch.

Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase waited to greet the team before a WNBA game against the Minnesota Lynx on August 19, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA.

Up nextWNBA· 2h ago

WNBA’s $30 fine to Dream, Valkyries after ‘disrespectful’ national anthem action rumour explained