Story perspectives

Valkyries Take Game 1 WNBA Finals, 68-64

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 5:56 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

Golden State Valkyries beat Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
Gabby Williams scored 26 points, including six decisive free throws in the final two minutes.
Kiah Stokes posted four blocks, seven rebounds and a postseason lead of 64 rebounds and 16 blocks.
Teams shot 32% (46-of-142), the second-worst field-goal percentage in Finals history.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 the WNBA launched with eight teams, and the Houston Comets, top-seeded with an 18–10 record, defeated the New York Liberty 65-51 to claim the league’s championship. Led by MVP Cynthia Cooper, the Comets won the first four titles, creating a dynasty that set a defensive benchmark. That legacy underpins the focus seen in the 2024 Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream.

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Story summary

Golden State Valkyries beat Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
Gabby Williams scored 26 points, including six decisive free throws in the final two minutes.
Kiah Stokes posted four blocks, seven rebounds and a postseason lead of 64 rebounds and 16 blocks.
Teams shot 32% (46-of-142), the second-worst field-goal percentage in Finals history.

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