The diaspora star's 26 points and clutch free throws gave Golden State a 68-64 Game 1 win over Atlanta in a grinding WNBA Finals opener.
Another proud moment for the African-American diaspora on basketball's biggest stage. Gabby Williams powered the Golden State Valkyries to a 68-64 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday, scoring 26 points in a game that was all grit and very little rhythm.
Shooting was a struggle for the hosts, who hit just 32% from the field against Atlanta's suffocating defense. Williams refused to let that decide the night. She poured in 16 points in the second quarter alone, giving the Valkyries an early cushion and a lifeline in an ugly, physical contest.
Atlanta kept pushing and stayed within reach deep into the fourth. Allisha Gray returned to the floor and finished with 19 points, but the Dream could not find the late baskets to complete the comeback. Williams then stepped to the line with 1:18 left and hit two free throws to put Golden State in front.
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She iced it with two more from the stripe with 4.1 seconds remaining, sealing the win and handing the Valkyries a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Atlanta now has to find offense quickly before the series shifts to Game 2.
