Gabby Williams hit two free throws with 1:18 remaining to put Golden State ahead, then made two more with 4.1 seconds left to seal a 68-64 win over Atlanta in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday.
Williams scored 26 points despite constant pressure from Atlanta’s stingy defence, including 16 in the second quarter. No other Valkyries player reached double figures. Golden State shot 32.1 per cent from the field and made 7 of 33 three-point attempts.
“We always knew we were going to find a way somehow,” Williams said after the game as fans chanted, “Gabby! Gabby!”
Atlanta had chances late. Rhyne Howard missed a three-pointer with 1:09 remaining, and Angel Reese came up with a steal moments later. Naz Hillmon then missed from deep. Kiah Stokes missed the first of two free throws with 23.8 seconds left, and Allisha Gray missed a three with nine seconds remaining.
Williams made her free throws moments later to secure the victory.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Monday night at Chase Center. The Valkyries got the hostile home-court atmosphere coach Natalie Nakase had asked for, with the raucous Ballhalla crowd making ear-piercing noise throughout the game.
One of the two franchises will win its first championship. If Game 1 is any indication, the series is shaping up to be a defensive battle.
Gray returned from injury and scored 19 points. Reese added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jordin Canada contributed eight points, seven assists and five rebounds. Canada hit a timely 13-foot jumper with 4:23 remaining.
Williams’ driving layup with 3:22 to play pulled Golden State within 62-61. Later, Canada collided awkwardly with Williams’ knee while boxing out as Williams went to the line. The Valkyries star was checked by an athletic trainer on the bench in the final moments.
Gray started after missing the last two games of Atlanta’s sweep of the New York Liberty in the best-of-three semifinals. She had injured the ring finger on her left, shooting hand, but returned to light practice Friday.
Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes hit her face hard on the floor while trying to make a steal in the closing minutes. She remained down with 2:38 to play, then walked to the locker room on her own.
