Valkyries edge Dream 68-64 in WNBA Finals Game 1
The Golden State Valkyries won 68-64 over the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, taking a 1-0 series lead at Chase Center.
Key points
- Valkyries won 68-64, leading series 1-0
- Gabby Williams scored 26 points and hit four free throws in the final 1:18
- Game played Oct. 17, 2026 at Chase Center
- Both teams left the court during the national anthem
- Valkyries are in their second year of existence
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, securing a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Game 1 was played on October 17, 2026, at the Chase Center, where the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries hosted the No. 4 Atlanta Dream. The match was described as a tight, defensively intense contest that lasted until the final moments.
Gabby Williams, the captain of the French national team, led the Valkyries with 26 points. Williams made four free throws in the final 1:18 of the game to help Golden State close out the victory. The win marks the first title appearance for the franchise in its second year of existence.
Before the game, players from both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem. The series continues with Game 2, as the two teams compete for the 2026 WNBA championship.
Your questions, answered
Who won Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-64.
Where was Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals played?
It was played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
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